BIOLOGICAL BASIS AND ETHICAL/ LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY
Biological basis and ethical/ legal considerations of psychotherapy
Post an explanation of whether psychotherapy has a biological basis.
Psychotherapy has a biological basis since it interacts with and affects numerous biological systems in the brain (Aschenbrenner & Venable, 2022). Psychotherapy can improve mental health outcomes by altering brain activity, neurotransmitter systems, stress response mechanisms, and hereditary factors. Combining biological and psychological techniques is possible to understand better and treat mental health disorders.
Explain how culture, religion, and socioeconomics might influence one’s perspective on the value of psychotherapy treatments.
Cultural factors, including social norms, attitudes, and beliefs, may impact how someone views the value of psychotherapy treatments. For instance, men may find getting psychotherapy more socially acceptable than women in some nations. Comparatively, getting medical care in different cultures might be better for everyone. Additionally, cultural norms around mental health issues may influence a person’s decision to seek assistance (Deits-Lebehn et al., 2020). Furthermore, religion can impact a person’s perspective on psychotherapy. Many faiths may reject therapies like psychotherapy because they may be seen as at odds with traditional beliefs and values, especially those with traditional or conservative leanings. On the other hand, some religious teachings and beliefs could advise people to get counseling to deal with their issues. Finally, socioeconomic problems like income and access to healthcare may impact people’s opinions regarding psychotherapy (Greenway et al., 2020). If they lack the necessary resources, people with limited means may find it challenging to obtain or purchase these services or may have a negative opinion of the therapies Biological basis and ethical/ legal considerations of psychotherapy. People with lower incomes and educational levels may also be less inclined to use these programs because a more significant stigma is attached to requesting help.
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Describe how legal and ethical considerations for group and family therapy differ from those for individual therapy, and explain how these differences might impact your therapeutic approaches for clients in group, individual, and family therapy.
Legal considerations for group and family therapy differ from those for solo therapy due to the additional difficulties of managing multiple client relationships. Confidentiality issues, which do not present in individual counseling, may occur when exposing client information in a group or family setting, for instance. In addition to secrecy, considerations for various family dynamics, potential conflicts of interest, and unforeseen circumstances that can arise with numerous individuals present must be considered. Different ethical considerations apply to group and family therapy than individual therapy (Wrape & McGinn, 2019). Most ethical norms demand that therapists get the consent of various family members or group members. A therapist must also be conscious of fostering positive dynamics and resolving conflict or issues among family members or group members to create a secure and fruitful therapeutic environment. A therapist’s method may change due to these distinctions in group and family therapy’s legal and ethical concerns. When discussing client information in a group or family environment, the therapist must first know confidentiality restrictions and approach the subject with decency and respect. Giving participants in a case the crucial details, establishing confidentiality standards within the group or family, and going over the possible risks associated with disclosing sensitive information are a few examples of how to do this.
The therapist must also know the dynamics between family members and group participants to maintain positive relationships and handle conflicts. However, the therapist must ensure that everyone in group or family therapy understands the limits of confidentiality while upholding each person’s right to privacy. In addition, a therapist must adopt a neutral stance and step in whenever disagreements arise between family members or group members to foster a positive therapeutic environment (Wrape & McGinn, 2019). Adhering to the pertinent legal and ethical problems for group and family therapy is essential when creating a realistic therapeutic approach for clients. This will make it easier to ensure that the therapeutic process is ethical, beneficial, and safe for all parties. To create a safe and productive therapy environment for their clients, therapists must recognize these variations and modify their approach.
The source Aschenbrenner and Venable (2009) is regarded as scholarly because it was published in a well-known nursing book by a reputable and well-known nursing publisher, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. The source Deits-Lebehn et al. (2020) is regarded as scientific because it was published in a psychology journal that underwent peer review, which indicates that other experts examined the work to validate the integrity and accuracy of the conclusions made. Peer-reviewed journals undergo a rigorous review procedure before publishing, in which subject-matter experts assess and score the study’s quality and validity. As a result, the work’s inclusion in a recognized publication illustrates how scholarly it is. Wrape and McGinn (2019) are scholars because they publish in the reputable, peer-reviewed Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. Because the author, Greenway et al. (2020), published their work in a recognized pharmacology magazine, it is regarded as scientific. This source provides knowledgeable viewpoints and analysis on the specific field of combining psychotherapy and psychopharmacology.
References
Aschenbrenner, D. S., & Venable, S. J. (2022). Drug therapy in nursing. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Deits-Lebehn, C., Baucom, K. J., Crenshaw, A. O., Smith, T. W., & Baucom, B. R. (2020). Incorporating physiology into the study of the psychotherapy process. Journal of counseling psychology, 67(4), 488. https://psycnet.apa.org/doi/10.1037/cou0000391Links to an external site.
Greenway, K. T., Garel, N., Jerome, L., & Feduccia, A. A. (2020). Integrating psychotherapy and psychopharmacology: psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and other combined treatments. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology, 13(6), 655-670. https://doi.org/10.1080/17512433.2020.1772054Links to an external site.
Wrape, E. R., & McGinn, M. M. (2019). Clinical and ethical considerations for delivering couple and family therapy via telehealth. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 45(2), 296-308. https://doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12319Links to an external site.
Biological basis and ethical/ legal considerations of psychotherapy Response
Great discussion,
You have provided a comprehensive explanation of the biological basis of psychotherapy and how culture, religion, and socioeconomics can influence one’s perspective on the value of psychotherapy treatments. Additionally, you discussed the legal and ethical considerations that differ between group, family, and individual therapy and how these differences can impact therapeutic approaches.
To add to your discussion, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of psychotherapy is not solely dependent on its biological basis but also on the therapeutic alliance between the therapist and the client. The therapeutic relationship, characterized by trust, empathy, and collaboration, plays a significant role in achieving positive outcomes in psychotherapy (Norcross & Lambert, 2018). Research has consistently shown that the quality of the therapeutic relationship is a strong predictor of treatment success across various therapeutic approaches (Flückiger et al., 2018).
Therefore, therapists need to consider and cultivate a strong therapeutic alliance in all forms of therapy, whether it’s individual, group, or family. This requires attention to building rapport, establishing trust, and creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to share and explore their concerns. By prioritizing the therapeutic relationship, therapists can enhance the effectiveness of psychotherapy and improve client outcomes.
References
Flückiger, C., Del Re, A. C., Wampold, B. E., Symonds, D., & Horvath, A. O. (2018). How central is the alliance in psychotherapy? A multilevel longitudinal meta-analysis. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 65(6), 751–764. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou0000286Links to an external site. Norcross, J. C., & Lambert, M. J. (2018). Psychotherapy relationships that work: Volume 2: Evidence-based therapist contributions. Oxford University Press.
Biological basis and ethical/ legal considerations of psychotherapy Response 2
Thank you for your contribution to the discussion. As I was perusing the posts and reviewing my own, I felt the biological basis of psychotherapy was not fully addressed. I feel we can all agree that through autopsies, PET scans, and DNA studies, there is a biological basis for mental illness. Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy (AEDP) is a treatment that focuses on positive and negative neuroplasticity, reprocessing experiences to yield positive neuroplasticity, and the transformational process that leads to healing (Fosha et al., 2019). AEDP and other reprocessing treatments, such as EMDR, lead to changes in the brain without using medications to treat mental illness and reduce symptomatology.
References
Fosha, D., Thoma, N., & Yeung, D. (2019). Transforming emotional suffering into flourishing: Metatherapeutic processing of positive affect as a trans-theoretical vehicle for change. Counselling Psychology Quarterly, 32(3-4), 563–593. https://doi.org/10.1080/09515070.2019.1642852Links to an external site.
Biological basis and ethical/ legal considerations of psychotherapy Sample post 2
Week 1 Discussion: Initial Post
Psychotherapy is a methodology of treating mental health problems and promoting emotional well-being through conversations and therapeutic techniques. Neuropsychiatrist, Eric Kandel, posits as his first of five main principles of neuroscience in psychotherapy that all mental processes, even the most complex ones, are derived from operations in the brain (Malhotra & Sahoo, 2017). He goes on to explain that these neural connections can be altered and changed through learning and experience (Malhotra & Sahoo, 2017). These biological underpinnings can be seen in the concept of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is described as the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new neural connections. Research suggests that such adaptation can be the result of environmental pressures, physiological changes, and experiences (Pascual-Leone et al., 2005).
The value of psychotherapy is not only found in biology, but culture, religion, and socioeconomics as well. Cultural beliefs and values significantly shape one’s perspective on psychotherapy. In some cultures, mental health concerns may be stigmatized or attributed to personal weakness, leading to reluctance in seeking therapy. Cultural norms related to emotional expression, individualism, collectivism, and help-seeking behaviors can influence attitudes towards psychotherapy.
Religious beliefs and practices may impact perceptions of mental health and psychotherapy. Some religious communities emphasize faith-based approaches to healing, considering mental health issues as spiritual problems (Caplan, 2019). Others may view psychotherapy as compatible with their religious beliefs, and further research suggests that interventions that incorporate spiritual or religious beliefs can be just as effective as those that do not (Pearce et al., 2015).
Socioeconomic factors, such as income, education, and access to healthcare, can affect the perception of psychotherapy’s value. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face financial constraints, limited access to mental health services, and lack of awareness about available resources, leading to reduced utilization and skepticism towards psychotherapy (McMaughan, Oloruntoba, & Smith, 2020).
Legal and ethical considerations for group and family therapy differ from those for individual therapy due to the involvement of multiple individuals and complex dynamics. One such consideration is confidentiality. In individual therapy, the focus is primarily on the client’s private information. However, in group and family therapy, confidentiality becomes more complex due to the presence of multiple individuals. Group and family therapists must establish clear guidelines and obtain informed consent regarding the limits of confidentiality, as the information shared by one member can impact others (Knauss, & Knauss, 2012). This requires careful attention to privacy concerns and balancing the needs of individual clients with the needs of the group or family (Knauss, & Knauss, 2012). Therapeutic approaches with this in mind should be handled with care and clear lines of communication regarding expectations and trust should be one of the first things addressed during the initial visit.
References:
Caplan, S. (2019). Intersection of cultural and religious beliefs about mental health: Latinos in the faith-based setting. Hispanic Health Care International, 17(1), 4-10. https://doi.org/10.1177/1540415319828265
- This article is published in a peer-reviewed journal, indicating it has undergone a rigorous evaluation process by experts in the field. It focuses on a specific topic and provides empirical research and analysis within the context of cultural and religious beliefs about mental health among Latinos.
Knauss, L. K., & Knauss, J. W. (2012). Ethical issues in multiperson therapy. In S. J. Knapp, M. C. Gottlieb, M. M. Handelsman, & L. D. VandeCreek (Eds.), APA Handbook of Ethics In Psychology, Vol 2: Practice, Teaching, and Research. (pp. 29–43). American Psychological Association. https://doi.org/10.1037/13272-003
- This book chapter is part of the APA Handbook of Ethics in Psychology, a widely recognized and respected resource in the field of psychology. The handbook is published by the American Psychological Association (APA), and the chapter specifically addresses ethical issues in multiperson therapy, providing scholarly analysis and guidance.
Malhotra, S., & Sahoo, S. (2017). Rebuilding the brain with psychotherapy. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 59(4), 411. doi: 10.4103/0019-5545.217299
- This article is published in the Indian Journal of Psychiatry, a reputable peer-reviewed journal in the field of psychiatry. It discusses the role of psychotherapy in brain plasticity and provides insights into the potential for rebuilding the brain through psychotherapeutic interventions.
McMaughan, D. J., Oloruntoba, O., & Smith, M. L. (2020). Socioeconomic status and access to healthcare: Interrelated drivers for healthy aging. Frontiers in Public Health, 8, 231. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2020.00231
- This article is published in the journal Frontiers in Public Health, which is a reputable open-access journal that follows a rigorous peer-review process. The study examines the relationship between socioeconomic status, healthcare access, and healthy aging, contributing to the field of public health research.
Pascual-Leone, A., Amedi, A., Fregni, F., & Merabet, L. B. (2005). The plastic human brain cortex. Annual Review of Neuroscience., 28, 377-401. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.neuro.27.070203.144216
- This article is published in the Annual Review of Neuroscience, a prestigious journal that publishes comprehensive reviews and analyses of research in the field. The article explores the concept of neuroplasticity in the human brain, providing a scholarly perspective on the topic.
Pearce, M. J., Koenig, H. G., Robins, C. J., Nelson, B., Shaw, S. F., Cohen, H. J., & King, M. B. (2015). Religiously integrated cognitive behavioral therapy: A new method of treatment for major depression in patients with chronic medical illness. Psychotherapy, 52(1), 56. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0036448
- This article is published in the journal Psychotherapy, which is a reputable peer-reviewed journal in the field of psychotherapy and mental health. It presents a study on the integration of religious and cognitive-behavioral therapy for the treatment of major depression in individuals with chronic medical illnesses, providing empirical evidence and discussing a new treatment approach.
Hi xx, I concur with you that the basis of psychotherapy is talk therapy based on conversations. Indeed as you rightly state from a credible source, psychotherapy stimulates mental processes all of which occur as a result of changes in the brain. Another accepted position that you present and that I also agree with is that repeated learning and experiences can actually alter what happens in neuronal pathways in the brain. Biological basis and ethical/ legal considerations of psychotherapy This implies that talk therapy (the basis of psychotherapy) can produce its therapeutic effects through a biological process. Another point you make that is related to the above and that I also happen to agree with is that the above actions of psychotherapy on brain function can be explained in part by neuroplasticity. This is the remarkable ability of the brain to regenerate new neural networks in reaction to harm or interference with the structural integrity of the nervous system.
Indeed your thinking is also the same as mine with regard to the view that culture, religion, economic, and social factors influence the perception and acceptance or rejection of psychotherapy. As you aptly put it, attitudes towards psychotherapy may for instance be negative in some cultures in which mental issues are viewed as related to evil machinations. Religion will at times frown upon psychotherapy and prefer spiritual healing, social class may make one feel that psychotherapy is not for them, and the social determinants of health (SDOH) of monthly income, educational attainment, and access to quality healthcare services may all make a person view psychotherapy differently from others. They may feel it is unachievable, expensive, a fallacy, or just not made for them. I therefore totally agree with your observation on these matters.
Finally, I must admit that you have also made valid conclusions that I agree with on the legal and ethical considerations for individual and group therapy. For instance, in the former confidentiality is absolute; while in the latter confidentiality is relative. I must add that one of the curative factors in operation in group therapy such as family therapy is catharsis. This means being allowed to speak freely what is bothering someone as the others listen Biological basis and ethical/ legal considerations of psychotherapy.
References
Beauregard, M. (2022). Functional neuroimaging studies of the effects of psychotherapy. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 16(1), 75-81. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2014.16.1/mbeauregardLinks to an external site. Biological basis and ethical/ legal considerations of psychotherapy
Biological basis and ethical/ legal considerations of psychotherapy response