Stressful life events such as job loss, death of loved one, physical illness, and caring for someone with debilitating disease have been shown to be associated with a higher incidence of depression. He suggested this as an aetiological factor in depression. They are based on cognitive biases or distortions. This leads to anxiety, and then to depression. Psychological therapies Psychodynamic approaches aim to uncover repressed conflicts and release hostility.
Psychosocial treatments are the treatments which are relevant in the practise of psychology.
Cognitive and Behaviour therapies aim to alter maladaptive patterns of thinking. The client is taught how to evaluate these beliefs rationally and systematically. It is a problem solving exercise for the client and therapist working together. The therapist assists the client in recognising the problem, and resolving it. John Wiley, Chapter 10, pp.