BIOLOGICAL BASIS AND ETHICAL/LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY
Many studies have found that psychotherapy is as effective as psychopharmacology in terms of influencing changes in behaviors, symptoms of anxiety, and changes in mental state. Changes influenced by psychopharmacology can be explained by the biological basis of treatments. But how does psychotherapy achieve these changes? Does psychotherapy share common neuronal pathways with psychopharmacology?
Psychotherapy is used with individuals as well as in groups or families. The idea of discussing confidential information with a patient in front of an audience is probably quite foreign to you. However, in group and family therapy, this is precisely what the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner does. In your role, learning how to provide this type of therapy within the limits of confidentiality is essential.
For this Discussion, you will consider whether psychotherapy also has a biological basis and analyze the ways in which legal and ethical considerations differ in the individual, family, and group therapy settings.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
To prepare:
Review this week’s Learning Resources, reflecting on foundational concepts of psychotherapy, biological and social impacts on psychotherapy, and legal and ethical issues across the modalities (individual, family, and group).
BY DAY 3
Post an explanation of whether psychotherapy has a biological basis. Explain how culture, religion, and socioeconomics might influence one’s perspective on the value of psychotherapy treatments. Describe how legal and ethical considerations for group and family therapy differ from those for individual therapy, and explain how these differences might impact your therapeutic approaches for clients in group, individual, and family therapy. Support your rationale with at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources and explain why each of your supporting sources is considered scholarly. Attach the PDFs of your sources.
Upload a copy of your discussion writing to the draft Turnitin for plagiarism check. Your faculty holds the academic freedom to not accept your work and grade at a zero if your work is not uploaded as a draft submission to Turnitin as instructed.
### Biological Basis and Ethical/Legal Considerations of Psychotherapy
**Does Psychotherapy Have a Biological Basis?**
Psychotherapy, though primarily seen as a psychological intervention, also has a biological basis. Research indicates that psychotherapy can induce changes in brain structure and function, similar to psychopharmacological treatments. For instance, neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can lead to changes in brain activity in regions associated with emotion regulation and cognitive processing, such as the prefrontal cortex and the amygdala . These changes suggest that psychotherapy can alter neural pathways, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
**Influence of Culture, Religion, and Socioeconomics on Psychotherapy**
Culture, religion, and socioeconomics significantly influence one’s perspective on the value of psychotherapy:
– **Culture**: Cultural background shapes how individuals perceive mental health and treatment. Some cultures may stigmatize mental health issues and view seeking therapy as a sign of weakness. Others might have culturally specific practices that complement or replace conventional psychotherapy.
– **Religion**: Religious beliefs can both support and hinder the acceptance of psychotherapy. For instance, some religious communities might encourage members to seek spiritual counseling over psychological therapy, while others might integrate religious principles with therapeutic practices to enhance treatment outcomes .
– **Socioeconomics**: Socioeconomic status affects access to psychotherapy. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face barriers such as cost, lack of insurance, and limited availability of mental health services, influencing their ability to engage in and benefit from psychotherapy.
**Legal and Ethical Considerations in Different Therapy Settings**
Legal and ethical considerations vary across individual, family, and group therapy settings, impacting therapeutic approaches:
– **Confidentiality**: Maintaining confidentiality is more complex in group and family therapy compared to individual therapy. In group settings, therapists must ensure that all participants understand and agree to confidentiality guidelines. In family therapy, therapists need to navigate the delicate balance of confidentiality between family members.
– **Informed Consent**: Obtaining informed consent involves explaining the therapy process, potential risks, and benefits to all participants. In family therapy, it is crucial to obtain consent from all family members, including minors, which may involve additional legal considerations.
– **Ethical Dilemmas**: Therapists may encounter ethical dilemmas unique to each setting. For example, in group therapy, managing interpersonal conflicts between group members ethically and effectively is crucial. In family therapy, therapists must address dynamics that could lead to favoritism or bias.
These differences necessitate tailored therapeutic approaches. In group therapy, facilitating open communication and trust among participants is essential. In family therapy, understanding and respecting family dynamics and ensuring that all members feel heard and validated is crucial. In individual therapy, the focus is more on building a one-on-one therapeutic alliance and addressing personal issues.
**Supporting Evidence**
**Goldapple, K., et al. (2004). Modulation of cortical-limbic pathways in major depression: treatment-specific effects of cognitive behavior therapy. Archives of General Psychiatry, 61(1), 34-41.**
– This study demonstrates the neurobiological changes associated with CBT, highlighting the biological impact of psychotherapy.
**Barsaglini, A., Sartori, G., Benetti, S., Pettersson-Yeo, W., & Mechelli, A. (2014). The effects of psychotherapy on brain function: a systematic and critical review. Progress in Neurobiology, 114, 1-14.**
– A systematic review providing evidence on how different psychotherapeutic approaches result in brain function changes.
**Hook, J. N., Worthington, E. L., Davis, D. E., Jennings, D. J., Gartner, A. L., & Hook, J. P. (2010). Empirically supported religious and spiritual therapies. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 66(1), 46-72.**
– This article discusses the integration of religious principles in psychotherapy, showcasing the intersection of religion and mental health treatment.
### References
Goldapple, K., et al. (2004). Modulation of cortical-limbic pathways in major depression: treatment-specific effects of cognitive behavior therapy. *Archives of General Psychiatry, 61*(1), 34-41.
Barsaglini, A., Sartori, G., Benetti, S., Pettersson-Yeo, W., & Mechelli, A. (2014). The effects of psychotherapy on brain function: a systematic and critical review. *Progress in Neurobiology, 114*, 1-14.
Hook, J. N., Worthington, E. L., Davis, D. E., Jennings, D. J., Gartner, A. L., & Hook, J. P. (2010). Empirically supported religious and spiritual therapies. *Journal of Clinical Psychology, 66*(1), 46-72.
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**Note**: Be sure to attach the PDFs of your sources when submitting this discussion. This ensures that your references are accessible for verification and provides additional reading material for those interested in your topic.
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