Biological basis of Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an individualized yet comprehensive biological treatment; it does not target a single receptor, neurotransmitter, or modulator; instead, it taps into all biological regulations underlying complex brain responses. This type of intervention results in a re-elaboration of the entire sense of self and others through new learning and new experiences that include cognitive, emotional, and internal regulation processes. Successful therapies result in extensive, long-lasting, and measurable physical changes in the brain (Javanbakht&Alberini, 2019)
Culture, religion, and Socioeconomic Influence on Psychotherapy
Personal perspectives on psychotherapy treatments can be influenced by culture, religion, and socioeconomic factors (Denis, 2022). Someone from a collectivist culture, for example, may see therapy as a way to restore harmony within themselves and their community. On the other hand, individualists may see it as a means of personal growth and development. Religion can also influence how people perceive therapy. Religious-based therapies may be taboo or contrary to the beliefs of those who follow more traditional religions, while others may find solace and comfort in them (Denis, 2022). Finally, socioeconomic factors can influence whether someone considers therapy to be an option. Culture, religion, and socioeconomic status all have an impact on psychotherapy. Those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may not have access to or cannot afford quality mental healthcare. Others may regard therapy as a luxury reserved for the wealthy (Denis, 2022).
Legal and Ethical Considerations
Specific guidelines must be followed in individual and group therapy settings to avoid ethical or legal ramifications. Privacy and confidentiality must be maintained in individual and group therapy unless the clinician has reason to believe that either the particular client or a group member is a danger to themselves or another person. However, in group therapy, these rules apply to more than one client and the treating clinician, and the therapist must be aware of this (psycnet.apa.org). Informed consent is another ethical implication seen in both individual and group therapy. Informed consent provides the client or clients with enough information about the services offered within the therapeutic environment to decide whether to participate (Nezu,2020). An orientation to the therapeutic setting, including appropriate boundaries, limits, goal setting, and expected behaviors, should be provided to all clients. As with individual therapy, all legal implications associated with maintaining the privacy of participants’ protected health information apply in group therapy. Participants in the group should be encouraged to maintain the confidentiality of all group members during the orientation phase and throughout the group’s duration (Nezu, 2020). This implication extends to group therapy settings involving minors. Guardians must be informed of the application of confidentiality and told that complete confidentiality could not be guaranteed, as seen in individual therapy settings.
The therapeutic environment may be impacted if these factors are not considered when providing services to clients in a group or family setting versus those in an individual therapy setting. When dealing with a group therapy session versus an individual therapy session, the therapist must be aware that the therapeutic dynamic changes. To meet the goals of the group session formation, client trust and therapeutic alliance must be established not only with the group facilitator but also with the group participants. Group members should feel free to interact within the therapeutic environment without fear of being intimidated, judged, or having their private thoughts or experiences revealed inappropriately (Nezu,2020). Some of these considerations impact the principles of interpersonal learning, group cohesiveness, and catharsis. A competent psychotherapist is also aware of their abilities to provide effective treatment using the appropriate treatment modalities.
References
American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Apa PsycNet. American Psychological Association. https://psycnet.apa.org/
Denis, (E. (2022, November 3). Culture religion and socioeconomic influence on psychotherapy. Nursing Experts. https://nursingexperts.org/influences-Links to an external site.
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Javanbakht, A., & Alberini, C. M. (2019). Editorial: Neurobiological Models of Psychotherapy. Frontiers in behavioral neuroscience, 13, 144.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00144Links to an external site.
Nezu, A. M. (2020). When Psychotherapy Is Not Working: Ethical Considerations. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 27(4), 417–425.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2020.05.006