Tag: Psychotherapy
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Rethinking Mental Health: The Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF) as an Alternative to Traditional Diagnosis
In the field of psychology, traditional diagnostic models like the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) and the biopsychosocial model have long been used to guide mental health assessments and treatments. While these models provide valuable insights, they have also faced criticisms, particularly regarding their validity, reliability, and potential for mental health stigma…
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Key Ethical Issues in Group Therapy: What You Need to Know
Group therapy is a powerful tool for healing, providing a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences, gain insight, and build meaningful connections. However, ethical challenges in group therapy require careful attention to ensure a safe and effective therapeutic experience. This article explores three key ethical issues in group therapy—confidentiality, equitable treatment and respect, and…
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Assessment in Psychology
Navigating Assessments with Values of Social Justice and Critical Reflection As a registered health professional, my role often involves providing individuals with diagnostic labels that can shape their healthcare journey, influence the broader system (especially in interactions with general practitioners), and become part of their permanent health records. This responsibility—to determine the need for ongoing…
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Understanding the Analytic Relationship
Insights from Intersubjectivity and Dissociation As a psychodynamic psychotherapist I often reflect on the nuances of the analytic relationship. A recent paper I encountered beautifully encapsulates this complexity through the metaphor of “knowing one’s patient inside out.” This metaphor speaks to the paradoxical nature of our intersubjective field—where trauma, dissociation, and regression intertwine within the…
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Understanding Object Relations Theory in Psychoanalysis
The work of Melanie Klein Object Relations Theory is a psychoanalytic framework that emphasizes the role of early relationships, particularly between the child and primary caregivers, in shaping our psychological development and adult interpersonal dynamics. Originating from the work of psychoanalysts like Melanie Klein, Otto Kernberg, and Donald Winnicott, this theory provides insight into how…
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Psychodynamic Psycotherapy: What it is and isn’t
Understanding Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: A Path to Deep Healing In my practice as a psychologist, I often work with clients who are navigating emotional pain, unresolved trauma, or difficult relationships. One approach that has proven to be immensely effective in helping individuals understand and overcome their challenges is psychodynamic psychotherapy. This therapeutic approach offers a deep…
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Working with Language Diversity in Psychotherapy
Enhancing Multilingual Client Outcomes Australia’s increasingly multicultural society presents both challenges and opportunities for psychologists working with clients from diverse linguistic backgrounds. The growing linguistic diversity, with millions of people reporting non-fluent English, calls for a more nuanced approach in therapy that considers the unique linguistic needs of culturally and linguistically diverse clients. Research suggests…
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Ethics in Psychology
Balancing the Heart and Mind in Complex Systems In the world of psychology, ethical principles and frameworks are more than just guidelines—they are the backbone of our practice. They help navigate the gray zones that arise in the dynamic environments we work in. One area that encapsulates these complexities is the multidisciplinary healthcare setting. Let’s…
