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The ancient Egyptians were among the earliest to identify depression as an issue. They referred to it as "fever in the heart" or "kneeling of the mind." timetoast
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In ancient Greece, philosophy was used to make sense of events and give direction in life. Epictetus stated "Men are disturbed not by things, but by the view which they take of them."
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During the Middle Ages, treatment for the mentally ill in Europe focussed on demonology. Abnormal behavior was attributed to supernatural forces such as possession by the devil or the curses of witches and wizards. As treatment, exorcism was used to drive out the evil (Coon, 1983, p. 501).
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Freud is commonly referred to as the founder of "talking therapies" - psychoanalysis. His research centered on investigating how the conscious and unconscious minds interact. Published his major works between 1900-1920, beginning with "The Interpretation of Dreams."
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Albert Ellis was the founder of the "cognitive therapy" school of thought. This theory believed that humans could rationalize their issues. His approach became a therapeutic technique known as "rational emotive behavioral therapy." It is believed that the therapist's role is to challenge the patient on his/her thinking about issues and their interpretation of them.
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New theory emerging in the 1940's positing that humans were born with a "blank slate" (tablua rasa). In this school of thought it was believed that humans could be conditioned to behave and think in certain ways and that mental distress could be addressed through certain thinking.
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A new theory emerged in the 1950's which believed that a patient experienced empathy and a non-judgmental attitude from the therapist, he/she could harness an innate ability to heal and develop mentally and emotionally.
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- Edith Stein - showed a special interest on the importance of empathy in therapy.
- Martin Buber - believed empathy can only be achieved by purposely/actively listening to a person.
- Edmund Husserl - believed the "empathizer" actively listens to client's experience and gains a more comprehensive understanding.
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In the humanistic school of therapy, Carl Rogers emerged as a pioneer, writing his book "Client-Centered Therapy." In it, he states his belief that human beings are basically good. He also began to incorporate Eastern philosophy into this theory as it related to cross-cultural interactions, relationships and social justice.
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Beck developed "Cognitive Behavioral Therapy" suggesting that the way a person thinks contributes to his/her level of depression and overall well-being.
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Post-modern approaches to therapy present challenges to previous theories and is centered on the idea that there is no truly objective way of measuring mental well-being. There are three main types of Post-modern therapies.
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This theory believes that cultural influences and unconscious thought processes shape human behavior. Michael White and David Epston are two pioneers in this area.
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In this therapy, clients replace problems and issues for solutions. It is a future-focused and goal-oriented approach which believes clients need something on which to focus energy and actions to attain.
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This theory proposes that clients work through their difficulties and issues in the conversations they have with a therapist. Does not necessarily focus on a future goal or state of being. Harlene Anderson and Harry Goolishian were founders and pioneers of this therapy.