Ирина Архипова – English for Psychotherapy and Counselling: Handbook. Английский для психотерапии и консультирования: практическое руководство (страница 3)
Psychotherapy, often called talk therapy, is a treatment intervention that uses psychological methods through regular personal interaction to help people change behaviour, increase well-being, and overcome problems. While clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, and counsellors may all provide psychotherapy, the term “psychotherapist” often refers to professionals who engage in more in-depth, long-term therapeutic work. Psychotherapy explores deeper emotional issues, past experiences, and unconscious patterns that influence present behaviour.
Psychiatry is a medical specialty focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders. Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) who complete medical school followed by specialized training in psychiatry. Because of their medical background, psychiatrists can prescribe medication and may use biological treatments. While some psychiatrists provide psychotherapy, many focus primarily on medication management, especially in contemporary practice where they often work collaboratively with clinical psychologists and other therapists.
Three Main Approaches in Psychotherapy
Within psychotherapy (practised by clinical psychologists and other therapists), three major theoretical approaches have shaped modern practice:
Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. CBT therapists help clients identify negative automatic thoughts and cognitive distortions, then work to challenge and change these patterns. This approach is typically short-term and emphasizes practical homework assignments and skills development. CBT has strong research support for treating anxiety, depression, and many other conditions. Clinical psychologists often use CBT because of its evidence-based effectiveness.
Psychodynamic Therapy has its roots in psychoanalytic theory and emphasizes the role of unconscious processes, early childhood experiences, and relationship patterns. Psychodynamic therapists explore how past experiences shape current behaviour and help clients gain insight into recurring patterns. This approach pays particular attention to the therapeutic relationship itself, including transference (when clients project feelings onto the therapist) and countertransference (the therapist’s emotional reactions to the client). Psychodynamic therapy is usually longer-term than CBT and is often used by clinical psychologists working with complex personality issues and trauma.
Existential-Humanistic Therapy emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the client’s inherent capacity for healing. This approach, which includes person-centered therapy and Gestalt therapy, focuses on the here-and-now experience, authenticity, and the therapeutic relationship. Humanistic therapists provide unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence, creating a safe space where clients can explore their feelings and develop self-awareness. Rather than directive techniques, this approach follows the client’s lead and trusts their inner wisdom.
Each approach has its strengths, and many modern clinical psychologists and therapists integrate elements from different schools of thought, practising what is called “integrative” or “eclectic” therapy. The choice of approach often depends on the client’s needs, the assessment findings, and the nature of their difficulties.
Comprehension questions:
1. What is the main educational difference between psychologists and psychiatrists?
2. What makes clinical psychology different from other branches of psychology?
3. According to the text, how does counselling differ from psychotherapy in terms of focus and duration?
4. What is the difference between clinical psychology and counselling psychology?
5. Which professional can prescribe medication? Why?
6. What are the three main approaches to psychotherapy mentioned in the text?
7. Which therapeutic approach focuses on thoughts, feelings, and behaviours?
8. What does “transference” mean in psychodynamic therapy?
9. Which approach emphasizes personal growth and self-actualization? ㅤ
VOCABULARY:
Professional Terminology and Collocations
A. Find words in the text that match these definitions:
1. Based on scientific research and proven methods
(paragraph 2): _______
2. A wide range of psychological issues and conditions that clinical psychologists assess (paragraph 3): _______
3. A complete evaluation of someone’s psychological condition (paragraph 4): _______
4. Tests that measure psychological variables like intelligence or personality (paragraph 4): _______
5. Concentrating on finding practical answers to current problems (paragraph 7): _______
6. Mental processes that happen without our awareness (paragraph 11): _______
7. Inborn, natural, existing from birth (paragraph 12): _______
8. Being genuine and true to oneself (paragraph 12): _______
B. Complete the collocations from the text. More than one answer may be possible:
1. mental health _______
2. psychological _______
3. evidence-_______ methods
4. _______ plans
5. _______ strategies
6. therapeutic _______
7. clinical _______
8. automatic _______
9. personal _______
10. assessment _______
C. Word families
Complete the table:
Discussion questions:
1. In your country, which mental health professional do people usually consult first?
2. What is the role of clinical psychologists in your healthcare system?
3. Do you think the distinctions between these professions are clear in your language?
4. Which therapeutic approach appeals to you most? Why?
5. Should all clinical psychologists be trained in all three approaches, or specialize in one?
6. What are the advantages of seeing a clinical psychologist vs. a psychiatrist?
GRAMMAR FOCUS:
Present Simple for definitions and descriptions / Comparative structures
A. Present Simple for Definitions and Professional Descriptions
We use Present Simple to define concepts and describe what professionals do:
Form:
• Affirmative: Subject + verb (+ s/es for he/she/it)
• Negative: Subject + don’t/doesn’t + main verb
• Questions: Do/Does + subject + main verb?
ㅤ
Examples from Psychology:
• Psychology studies human behaviour and mental processes.
• Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental health disorders.
• Psychotherapists help clients manage emotional difficulties.
• A psychiatrist prescribes medication for mental health conditions.
• Counselling focuses on specific life problems.
ㅤ
Exercise 1: Complete the sentences