NRNP-6645F Week 1 discussion Biological basis and ethical/ legal considerations of psychotherapy

NRNP-6645F Week 1 discussion Biological basis and ethical/ legal considerations of psychotherapy

Biological Basis and Ethical/Legal Considerations of Psychotherapy

 There has been a significant increase in the number of people interested in learning more about how neuroscience might be applied in psychotherapy. Psychotherapy investigates the depth of the intricate clinical and personal attitudes and background, whereas neuroscience explains the processes of the brain by raising specific questions (Peteet et al., 2019). Psychotherapy examines the depth of the complicated clinical and personal attitudes and background. Studying the biological basis of behavior, the functioning of the human brain and mind, and their maladaptive responses, as well as developing scientific techniques to assess how psychotherapy might aid psychopathologies, contributes to the transformation of dealing with mental health and disorders (Javanbakht & Alberini, 2019). This is one of the ways that the field of mental health and disorders is evolving NRNP-6645F Week 1 discussion Biological basis and ethical/ legal considerations of psychotherapy.

Biological Basis of Psychotherapy

It is not appropriate to utilize “biological treatment” in place of “psychotherapy.” The therapy does not concentrate on just one receptor or a few of neurotransmitters; rather, it activates all of the molecular mechanisms that are responsible for the complex reactions of the brain. Through the acquisition of new information and the participation in new experiences that combine emotional, mental, and internal regulatory processes, the patient is able to build a comprehensive sense of not just themselves but also of others as a result of this type of treatment. Successful psychotherapies have the potential to generate changes in the physical structure of the brain that are not only long-lasting but also comprehensive and observable. Javanbakht and Alberini (2019), conducted an inquiry on the effects of extended exposure treatment on the brain circuits that are related with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and then published their findings. In addition, neurobiological improvements that are applied in conjunction with long-term exposure therapy have been linked with increased effectiveness.

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Influence of Culture, Religion, and Socioeconomics on Psychotherapy

 The culture in which a person lives plays a significant role in determining not just how they view themselves but also how they see their connections to other people. It also has an effect on people’s expectations on the manner in which they interact with one another. Additionally, a person’s culture has a significant impact on the ways in which they understand holistic medicine to work. As a result, cultural forms of being are also present in psychotherapy. The societal norm that individuals will go to a therapy facility, sit quietly with a coach, and discuss what is going on in their life with a qualified professional is what is followed by conventional psychotherapy NRNP-6645F Week 1 discussion Biological basis and ethical/ legal considerations of psychotherapy. This is what is commonly referred to as the “culture of traditional psychotherapy.” There are a wide variety of methods to psychotherapy, all of which take into account the myriad of distinct ways in which individuals from a variety of cultural backgrounds experience and perceive health and recovery. For instance, therapy modalities that have an Afrocentric perspective focus an emphasis on reaching a state of equilibrium, preserving interdependence, and being culturally aware.

Additionally, the patient’s religious beliefs are taken into consideration during the healing process. In certain instances, the term “religion” may be used to refer to a system of beliefs, rituals, and practices that are oriented toward the veneration of something holy. Psychotherapists have a responsibility to be aware of and respectful of the differences between cultural roles and individual roles, including those that are founded on religious beliefs, and to take into account the problems that face various religious communities. There is a potential that the spiritual or religious beliefs held by patients are tied in some way to the underlying issues that drove them to seek medical assistance in the first place. According to Peteet et al. (2019), this might result in conflicts over a number of different theological fundamentals as well as distortions of religious beliefs and behaviors. Additionally, the spiritual and religious values that patients hold might be key sources of support and bravery, which may be exploited in the process of psychotherapy to aid patients in reaching the therapeutic goals that they have set for themselves. The therapeutic process may benefit enormously from the inclusion of this component.

According to the findings of study conducted on psychotherapy, having a higher socioeconomic status is connected with increased adherence to treatment prescribed by a therapist. The socioeconomic position of the patient is another essential component that plays a significant role in the manner in which the patient evaluates the therapist. (Peteet et al., 2019) provides an instance by stating that the majority of counselors believe patients from economically disadvantaged levels to have a higher degree of disorder, a greater degree of goal conflict regarding the therapeutic process, and less successful counseling results. In addition, patients who have a lower socioeconomic position are likely to be struggling with more serious problems than patients who have a higher socioeconomic status.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

 Individual treatment, as opposed to group therapy, brings with it a variety of legal and ethical problems that are not present in the context of group therapy. These factors play an important role in the entire therapeutic strategy. When working with a family or a group of people, it is important to avoid singling out or concentrating on any one particular member of the group (Nichols & Davis, 2020). Everyone in the family or in the group needs to feel comfortable freely expressing their ideas and points of view to one another. In addition to this, the psychotherapist has to be aware that every member of the group owns a different set of values and ethical standards (Stoll et al., 2020). This is something that the psychotherapist needs to be aware of. As a consequence of this, the counseling needs to be provided in an objective and non-judgmental manner so that the patient can receive the most beneficial treatment possible. Every member of the group is responsible for ensuring that the other members of the group are accepted and that they all strive toward the same goal. When a patient engages in individual treatment, the service provider is only allowed to release the patient’s information in accordance with the law on a “need to know” basis and with the patient’s mutual permission (Peteet et al., 2019). This restriction applies even if the patient consents to the disclosure of their information. When a patient is attempting to use their mental wellness as a defense, the only time a therapist is permitted to violate the ethical principle of confidentiality is when they are compelled to exercise their “obligation to protect or alert privilege” of the patient. This is the only circumstance in which a therapist is permitted to break this rule.

References

Javanbakht, A., & Alberini, C. M. (2019). Neurobiological models of psychotherapy. Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience, 13, 144.

Nichols, M., & Davis, S. D. (2020). The essentials of family therapy (7th ed.). Pearson. Chapter 2, “Basic Techniques of Family Therapy” (pp. 33–35 only)

Peteet, J. R., Al Zaben, F., & Koenig, H. G. (2019). Integrating spirituality into the care of older adults. International Psychogeriatrics, 31(1), 31-38.

Stoll, J., Müller, J. A., & Trachsel, M. (2020). Ethical issues in online psychotherapy: A narrative review. Frontiers in psychiatry, 10, 993

Psychotherapy has a biological basis, as recent research indicates its capacity to induce changes in brain structure and function. It promotes neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, and modulates neurotransmitter activity, along with regulating stress hormones and improving immune system functioning. However, perspectives on the value of psychotherapy treatment can be influenced by culture, religion, and socioeconomic factors. Cultural norms and religious beliefs can stigmatize or accept therapy, while socioeconomic disparities impact accessibility and prioritization. Legal and ethical considerations for group and family therapy differ from individual therapy, demanding attention to privacy, confidentiality, and complex relational dynamics. The interplay between the biological basis of psychotherapy, cultural, religious, and socioeconomic influences, and the legal and ethical considerations in group, individual, and family therapy shapes therapeutic approaches and highlights the need for effective and culturally sensitive interventions.

While the foundation of psychotherapy lies in addressing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, recent research suggests that it also has a biological basis. Studies have shown that therapy can lead to changes in brain structure and function (Wheeler, 2020). For instance, certain therapeutic interventions have been found to enhance neural plasticity, promote neurogenesis, and modulate neurotransmitter activity. Moreover, psychotherapy can regulate stress hormones and improve immune system functioning. These biological changes support the notion that psychotherapy has an impact on the brain and body, highlighting the intricate interplay between psychological and biological factors in mental health and well-being. NRNP-6645F Week 1 discussion Biological basis and ethical/ legal considerations of psychotherapy.

Culture, religion, and socioeconomic factors can significantly shape individuals’ perspectives on the value of psychotherapy treatment. Cultural norms and beliefs about mental health and emotional well-being can influence whether seeking therapy is considered acceptable or stigmatized (Markowitz et al., 2021). Religious beliefs may impact views on the role of spirituality or divine intervention versus seeking psychological help. Socioeconomic factors such as accessibility, affordability, and availability of mental healthcare resources can influence individuals’ ability to access and prioritize therapy. Additionally, socioeconomic disparities can lead to differing perceptions of the value of therapy, as individuals with greater resources may view it as a worthwhile investment, while those with limited means may struggle to prioritize it.

Legal and ethical considerations for group and family therapy differ from those of individual therapy due to the involvement of multiple individuals and dynamics. In group therapy, the therapist must ensure the confidentiality and privacy of each participant while managing the group’s interactions (Gilbert, 2019). Ethical dilemmas can arise when balancing the needs and boundaries of individual group members. In family therapy, the therapist must navigate complex relational dynamics, including confidentiality issues, when individual family members disclose sensitive information. The involvement of minors in family therapy also raises additional legal and ethical concerns. These differences influence therapeutic approaches by requiring the therapist to focus on group dynamics, communication patterns, and systemic interventions to address the collective well-being. In individual therapy, the therapist can concentrate more on the individual’s personal experiences and provide personalized interventions.

Psychotherapy has a solid biological basis supported by evidence of its impact on the brain and body. However, the value and accessibility of psychotherapy are shaped by cultural, religious, and socioeconomic factors. Legal and ethical considerations differ for group, family, and individual therapy, influencing therapeutic approaches and the focus on dynamics, confidentiality, and systemic interventions. Recognizing and addressing these influences is essential for providing effective and culturally sensitive psychotherapy that takes into account the individual, group, and family contexts. By understanding the interplay between biological, cultural, and societal factors, therapists can better tailor their interventions and support the diverse needs of their clients.

References

Gilbert, P. (2019). Psychotherapy for the 21st century: An integrative, evolutionary, contextual, biopsychosocial approach. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 92(2), 164-189. https://doi.org/10.1111/papt.12226Links to an external site.

Markowitz, J. C., Milrod, B., Heckman, T. G., Bergman, M., Amsalem, D., Zalman, H., … & Neria, Y. (2021). Psychotherapy at a distance. American Journal of Psychiatry, 178(3), 240-246. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2020.20050557Links to an external site.

Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2020). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing.