Does Psychotherapy Have a Biological Basis

Does Psychotherapy Have a Biological Basis?

Does Psychotherapy have a Biological Basis?
Biological basis for psychotherapy
The question of whether psychotherapy has a biological basis is best answered by understanding the specific organs targeted by psychotherapy. Typically, all mental conditions are considered to have some basis in the brain, particularly the brain chemistry to include hormones and neurons. There is an acknowledgment that although the brain is intended for optimal functioning by controlling mental activity, a psychiatric problem is an indication that the brain is not functioning optimally (Holttum, 2014). Psychotherapy addresses the perceived brain imbalance by seeking to achieve an optimal status with the focus being on how the brain processes information and conducts communication activities. In fact, it is not uncommon for psychotherapy to use the brain neuroimaging for targeted intervention especially when thoughts and actions are not socially accepted and could even be termed as abnormal (Fournier & Price, 2014). In this respect, psychotherapy has a biological basis since it indirectly targets problems in the brain for correction to facilitate thought processes and communication with the intention of achieving social acceptance.
Influence of culture, religion, and socioeconomics on perspective about the value of psychotherapy treatments
Petiprin (2016) mentions that psychotherapy is conducted with the intention of achieving social acceptance in terms of interactions and functioning. Holttum (2014) presents similar sentiments by noting that a holistic model of psychotherapy must link care to relationships within cultural, religious and socioeconomic contexts. Evaluating psychotherapy intentions illuminates this links by showing that it intends to reduce symptoms, improve functioning, prevent relapse and empower patients along with achieving all other realistic objectives that the patient may have presented. These changes cannot occur in a vacuum and must occur within the context of relationships since social acceptance – whether cultural, religious or socioeconomic – can only be achieved after taking all contexts into consideration (Wheeler, 2014). As a result, culture, religion and socioeconomics influence psychotherapy by justifying treatment focus on social acceptance within the context of relationships.
References
Fournier, J. & Price, R. (2014). Psychotherapy and neuroimaging. Psychotherapy: New Evidence and New Approaches, 12(3), 290-298. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4207360/
Holttum, S. (2014). When bad things happen our brains change but psychotherapy and support can help the recovery of our brains and our lives. Mental Health and Social Inclusion, 18(2), 52-58. doi:10.1108/MHSI-02-2014-0006
Petiprin, A. (2016). Psychiatric and mental health nursing. Retrieved from http://www.nursing-theory.org/theories-and-models/psychiatric-and-mental-health-nursing.php
Wheeler, K. (Eds.). (2014). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: a how-to guide for evidence-based practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Company.
 
Discussion: Does Psychotherapy Have a Biological Basis?
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? For this Discussion, consider whether psychotherapy also has a biological basis.
Learning Objectives
Students will:

Evaluate biological basis of psychotherapy treatments
Analyze influences of culture, religion, and socioeconomics on personal perspectives of psychotherapy treatments

To prepare:

Review this week’s Learning Resources.
Reflect on foundational concepts of psychotherapy.

Post an explanation of whether psychotherapy has a biological basis. Explain how culture, religion, and socioeconomics might influence one’s perspective of the value of psychotherapy treatments.
Support your rationale with evidence-based literature.