How To "Deepen" the Treatment
Let’s get personal.
In the therapy world, sometimes we think that we want a CBT therapist, a psychodynamic therapist, a DBT therapist, or whatever other type of therapist when ultimately, we may not necessarily know what any of that means or if it’s what we really need. We want to be able to “fit” into a box and have a specific type of therapy that we can lean into. In reality, it’s not black and white at all and therapy most certainly doesn’t fit into boxes.
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I want to preface this entire episode with the fact this is me reflecting on my own personal and professional experience.
So disagree away with me.
Dismantling the Medical Model in Mental Health Treatment
In our journey to understand the distinction between CBT and psychodynamic therapy, it's essential to understand the intricacies underlying the medical model and its limitations when applied to mental health. Unlike physical ailments, mental health conditions aren't as straightforward to diagnose, with no blood tests or scans to conclusively pinpoint their existence.
Nuances Lost in the Quest for Clear-Cut Solutions
The dominance of CBT tends to simplify mental health treatment, often disregarding the uniqueness of individual experiences. While I acknowledge CBT's transformative impact and effectiveness, it's crucial to recognize that its approach may not be universally applicable.
Misconceptions Surrounding Evidence-Based Treatments
The labeling of CBT as the sole evidence-based treatment neglects the robust foundations of psychodynamic therapies. It raises pertinent questions about the biases in research and the complexities inherent in assessing the efficacy of different therapeutic approaches.
The Depths of Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy
My divergence from a purely CBT-oriented practice stems from the profound importance of understanding the human psyche beyond surface-level behaviors. Delving into a patient's history, their emotional landscape and the mechanisms behind their coping strategies is pivotal to fostering authentic and lasting change.
Seeing Beyond the Symptoms
While CBT may offer effective coping mechanisms, it often falls short in addressing the underlying patterns and complexities of human behavior. Psychoanalytic therapy, on the other hand, enables a holistic exploration of the patient's psyche, delving into the roots of their struggles, paving the way for genuine transformation.
The Limitations of CBT
CBT's reliance on structured techniques may inadvertently bypass crucial discussions and discomfort within the therapeutic relationship. Avoiding these difficult conversations undermines the depth of emotional exploration necessary for authentic healing. I love having uncomfortable conversations because, in these moments of vulnerability and discomfort, you find that genuine breakthroughs and self-discovery can occur. (Not that I actually love it, that would be weird if I enjoyed uncomfortable conversations. I love the concept.)
The Power of Depth and Nuance in Therapy
The depth and nuance inherent in psychoanalytic therapy transcend the boundaries of a standard treatment approach. By acknowledging and embracing the complexities of human experiences, we open the door to profound emotional understanding and healing.
As a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, we do not shy away from anything uncomfortable. There is a deep understanding of the intricate layers of the human mind and the profound impact of authentic therapeutic relationships.
That is what separates this from the rest.
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Tweetable Quotes
"Just because somebody says this is evidence-based, it is a lot more complicated than that." - Rachelle Heinemann
"As a psychoanalytic psychotherapist, we do not shy away from anything uncomfortable. And that is what separates this from the rest." - Rachelle Heinemann
“It's not like you can go for a brain imaging test, and go in and say, ‘Oh, yes, I do have an eating disorder’ or ‘yes, I do have general anxiety.’ It doesn't work that way." - Rachelle Heinemann
"It requires knowing the theory behind how the human mind works, the development of psychology, and all of that stuff in order to integrate that into a therapy session that might almost look identical to somebody who hasn't had the training but just sort of tries to wing it." - Rachelle Heinemann
Related Episodes
Episode 92. The Gold Standard of Eating Disorder Treatment with Douglas W. Bunnell
Episode 86. Medical Complications of Eating Disorders with Dr. Risa Fridy
Episode 74. The Best Advice You’ll Ever Get
Episode 62. Perfectionism and Disordered Eating with Colby Golder, RD
Episode 57. The Connection Between Trauma and Eating Disorders with Heather Ferguson, LCSW
More From Rachelle
Hey there! I’m Rachelle, the host of the Understanding Disordered Eating Podcast. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I work with clients to make sense of life’s messy emotional experiences.
I believe in the power of deep work and its positive impact on your life in the long term. Learn more about how we can work together here.
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