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Related Concept Videos

Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy01:25

Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy

Research has highlighted several critical factors that influence the effectiveness of psychotherapy, such as the therapeutic alliance, the therapist, and the client.
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...
Psychotherapy01:28

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a versatile, nonmedical approach aimed at helping individuals address emotional, behavioral, and interpersonal issues to enhance their overall well-being. It can involve one-on-one sessions, couples counseling, or small group discussions with a therapist. The therapeutic process includes various techniques such as open discussion, interpretation of thoughts and behaviors, active listening, positive reinforcement, and role modeling. Psychotherapy aims to support individuals in...
Psychosurgery01:30

Psychosurgery

Psychosurgery, the surgical alteration or permanent removal of brain tissue to alleviate severe psychological conditions, stands as one of the most radical and controversial treatments in the history of mental health care. Its development and application have evolved significantly, marked by dramatic shifts in scientific understanding and ethical perspectives.
Historical Development of Psychosurgery
In the 1930s, Portuguese neurologist Antonio Egas Moniz introduced a surgical procedure designed...
Psychodynamic Therapy01:29

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapies emphasize the exploration of unconscious processes and early childhood experiences as fundamental contributors to psychological difficulties. These therapies, deeply rooted in Freud's psychoanalytic theory, aim to uncover and resolve unconscious conflicts, granting individuals insights that promote emotional and behavioral healing. Contemporary psychodynamic approaches have evolved, integrating a broader range of influences and methodologies while still valuing the...
Group Therapy01:26

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a sociocultural approach to psychological treatment, where individuals with shared psychological challenges come together under the guidance of a mental health professional. This therapeutic modality offers unique opportunities for individuals to connect, share, and grow within the context of a supportive group. By fostering mutual understanding and collaboration, group therapy can address a range of psychological concerns effectively, often complementing or surpassing the...
Humanistic Therapy01:24

Humanistic Therapy

Humanistic therapies emphasize personal growth, self-understanding, and the fulfillment of human potential. Rooted in the belief that individuals inherently strive toward self-actualization, these approaches encourage clients to explore their feelings and experiences in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. Humanistic therapies differ from psychodynamic approaches by focusing on conscious experiences, present circumstances, and the potential for self-improvement rather than past conflicts...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology
03:59

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology

Published on: May 22, 2026

How would we know if psychotherapy were harmful?

Sona Dimidjian1, Steven D Hollon

  • 1Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0345, USA. sona.dimidjian@colorado.edu

The American Psychologist
|January 13, 2010
PubMed
Summary

Psychotherapy can cause patient harm, but detecting and addressing it lacks clear standards. This study proposes methods to identify and understand adverse effects in clinical practice and research.

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Last Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology
03:59

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology

Published on: May 22, 2026

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Clinical Psychology
  • Medical Ethics

Background:

  • Patient harm from treatment decisions is a recognized concern.
  • The full extent and detection of harm in psychotherapy remain unclear.
  • Lack of consensus exists on identifying and managing adverse effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define how psychotherapy can cause harm.
  • To discuss challenges in detecting treatment-related harm.
  • To recommend strategies for identifying and understanding adverse events.

Main Methods:

  • Defining mechanisms of harm in treatment.
  • Analyzing factors complicating harm detection.
  • Adapting benefit-detection strategies for harm assessment.
  • Utilizing data from randomized clinical trials.
  • Incorporating case studies and qualitative research.

Main Results:

  • Harm can arise from direct treatment effects or related decisions.
  • Independent monitoring systems are valuable for detecting untoward events.
  • Comprehensive outcome assessment over time is crucial.
  • Examining active ingredients, mechanisms, and moderators aids understanding.

Conclusions:

  • Establishing clear standards for defining and identifying harm is essential.
  • Proactive monitoring and diverse research methods can improve patient safety.
  • Further discussion and consensus-building are needed in the field.