Psychoanalytic and cognitive therapies: a comparison of theory and tactics

The theory and tactics of psychoanalytic and cognitive therapies for depression are explored. Tactics developed from either theoretical base are often similar, though described in different terms. Analytic therapies, being derivative from psychoanalysis, are broader in the possibilities prescribed, and therefore less rigorous in the application of several active techniques. In part because of this, there are differences between analytic and cognitive therapies in session structure, in history taking, in dealing with transference and countertransference, and with paranoid patients. A paradigm is offered regarding the reasons for success or limited success with either method.