psychotherapy
(si″ko-ther´ә-pe)
any of a number of related techniques for treating mental disorders by psychologic methods. They all rely mainly on establishing a relationship between the therapist and the patient in order
to develop the patient's insight into the motivation behind his or her behavior. If drugs are used, it is only in order to
make such communication easier.
brief psychotherapy
psychotherapy limited to an agreed number of sessions, generally 10 to 20, or having a termination date. It is usually active
and directive, and often oriented toward a specific problem or symptom.
psychoanalytic psychotherapy
psychoanalysis (def. 3).
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
Click here for important legal information about Dorland's Medical Dictionary.
|
