While there are similarities in the overall concept of how thoughts, feelings, and actions are related, psychodynamic therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy have several key differences. First, the goal of psychodynamic therapy is to help patients gain an understanding of their conditions (INTELECOM Intelligent Telecommunications, 2006). On the other hand, cognitive-behavioral treatment aims at helping them to change their current mental state. In connection with this approach, psychodynamic therapy is an ongoing self-exploration process, while CBT is a focused problem-solving program. Finally, in CBT, it is essential to explore clients’ previous experiences to understand their historical context. For instance, in the clinical video of cognitive-behavioral therapy, the therapist asks Lucy the account for her current feelings so that she can understand her experience (Johnson, 2014, 03:15-05:21). However, knowing the chronological history of a client is not a significant part of counseling in psychodynamic therapies. Therefore, it is evident that CBT and psychodynamic therapy differ.
There are various mental illnesses that can be treated using CBT. Studies reveal that post-traumatic stress disorder is a type of compulsive behavior that can be addressed with this method (McLeod, 2013). This is possible because CBT focuses on changing the way individual acts and thinks. Additionally, trauma-focused CBT uses various types of psychological techniques to assist a patient accept a terrifying event. For instance, a psychotherapist might ask patients to deal with their disturbing memories by deeply meditating about their experiences in detail. Throughout this process, a therapist helps the clients manage any distress they encounter while identifying other thoughts they might have about their experience (Graham et al., 1995). Therefore, cognitive-behavioral therapy is the best to treat such mental illnesses as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Comparing CBT with other types of therapy, such as Jungian or Freudian, it can be noted that the cognitive-behavioral approach is more effective in changing addiction-based behaviors, such as drinking and smoking. Its effectiveness is due to the active control of possible relapse (Films on Demand, 2000). According to Sudhir (2018), CBT is more efficient because it applies techniques to avoid declination. These methods include mechanisms to lower the power and cravings of addictive activities, changing the environment, family psychoeducation, social pressures management, and dealing with negative moods. Since these are the essential ingredients in the fight against addiction, CBT can produce much more impressive results than using Jungian or Freudian therapy.
References
Films on Demand. (2000). Smoking behavior change strategies [Video]. Web.
Graham, K., Timney, C. B., Bois, C., & Wedgerfield, K. (1995). Continuity of care in addictions treatment: The role of advocacy and coordination in case management. American Journal of Drug & Alcohol Abuse, 21(4), 433-451.
INTELECOM Intelligent Telecommunications. (2006). The psychodynamic approach [Video]. Web.
Johnson, J. (2014). Case study clinical example CBT: First session with a client with symptoms of depression (CBT model) [Video].
McLeod, J. (2013). An introduction to counselling (5th ed). McGraw-Hill Education.
Sudhir, P. M. (2018). Cognitive behavioural interventions in addictive disorders. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 60(4), 479-484. Web.