Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Using Visual and Narrative Methods to Achieve Fair Process in Clinical Care
Published on: February 16, 2011
[The image of psychotherapies - a comparison between prospective therapists and laypersons]
Henriette Löffler-Stastka1, Victor Blüml, Elisabeth Ponocny-Seliger
1Univ.-Klinik für Psychoanalyse und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Universität Wien. henriette.loeffler-stastka@meduniwien.ac.at
Objectives:
Considering the specific situation of psychotherapy in Austria with its wide range of different therapeutic methods which are accredited by law, we investigated their respective level of familiarity and the connotative associations of future therapists and of a sample group of the lay public regarding the different schools.
Methods:
175 persons (students of economics, students at the university clinic for psychoanalysis, and prospective psychotherapists) were interviewed concerning terms of familiarity and popularity of the therapeutic methods. Using the semantic differential we tried to operationalize the resonant connotative associations.
Results:
There is insufficient information with regards to the existence of the various different schools on the side of the lay public. The connotations of the different groups are similar: independent of the level of familiarity, 4 different types of therapy can cluster-analytically be identified in relation to the 3 factors of the polarity profile (activity-potency-valence).
Conclusions:
More extensive information of the public concerning the different therapeutic possibilities is needed. Further the importance of considering subjective connotations in situations of referral and indication is discussed. Specific attention has been given to the situation of prospective psychotherapists.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
Psychotherapy
Psychodynamic Therapy
Humanistic Therapy
Modeling in Therapy
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...

