ASSIGNMENT: BIOLOGICAL BASIS AND ETHICAL/LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY

ASSIGNMENT: BIOLOGICAL BASIS AND ETHICAL/LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY

ASSIGNMENT: 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?

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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).

Search the Walden Library databases for scholarly, peer-reviewed articles that inform and support your academic perspective on these topics.

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.

Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.

BY DAY 6

Respond to at least two of your colleagues on 2 different days by providing an additional scholarly resource that supports or challenges their position, along with a brief explanation of the resource.

Note: For this Discussion, you are required to complete your initial post before you will be able to view and respond to your colleagues’ postings. Begin by clicking on the Reply button to complete your initial post. Remember, once you click on Post Reply, you cannot delete or edit your own posts and you cannot post anonymously. Please check your post carefully before clicking on Post Reply!

HAFSAT

Main Post

Biological Basis of Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy has a biological basis since it can influence and alter brain structure and function. It can trigger neuroplastic changes in the brain, altering the structure and function of various neural pathways and connections. Several brain regions, including the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus, have been implicated in the neurobiological changes associated with psychotherapy. According to Cammisuli and Castelnuovo, (2023), these changes involve modifications in brain activity, connectivity, and even gene expression patterns related to neurotransmission, neuroplasticity, and stress response. Furthermore, psychotherapy can influence the levels and functioning of various neurotransmitters and hormones in the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, cortisol, and oxytocin. These chemical messengers play crucial roles in mood regulation, stress response, and social bonding, all of which can be impacted by the therapeutic process of psychotherapy. Neuroimaging studies have also revealed that psychotherapy can alter the functional connectivity between different brain regions, facilitating communication and integration between areas involved in emotion regulation, cognition, and behavior (Cammisuli & Castelnuovo, 2023).

How Culture, Religion, And Socioeconomics Might Influence One’s Perspective on the Value of Psychotherapy Treatments

Cultural aspects play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards mental health and seeking psychological assistance. Different cultures may have varying attitudes, with some embracing Western-style psychotherapy more readily, while others may prefer traditional healing methods or face stigma associated with mental health issues. Das et al. (2020) explains that the degree of individualism or collectivism in a culture can also influence the perception of psychotherapy, as some cultures may prioritize family or community-based solutions over individual therapy.

Religious beliefs and practices can also impact an individual’s perspective on psychotherapy’s value. Certain religions may view mental health issues as spiritual matters that should be addressed through religious practices or guidance from religious leaders. Additionally, some religious teachings or interpretations may be perceived as conflicting with certain psychotherapeutic approaches or techniques (Das et al., 2020). The level of openness or resistance to incorporating religious/spiritual elements into psychotherapy can further influence an individual’s perspective.

Socioeconomic factors, such as access to and affordability of psychotherapy, can significantly shape an individual’s view of its value. In communities with limited financial resources or lack of access to mental health services, psychotherapy may be perceived as a luxury or unnecessary expense. Individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may face additional barriers, like transportation issues, language barriers, or lack of awareness about available resources, which can influence their perception of psychotherapy’s accessibility and value (Niemeyer & Knaevelsrud, 2023). Conversely, individuals from higher socioeconomic backgrounds may have greater exposure to and acceptance of psychotherapy, as well as the means to access such services more readily.

Differences of Legal and Ethical Considerations between Group and Family Therapy and Individual Therapy

In individual therapy, confidentiality is straightforward since it is maintained between the therapist and the client. However, in group and family therapy, confidentiality becomes more complex since it extends to all members of the group or family hence information shared within the group setting may potentially be disclosed outside of the therapy sessions. Additionally, in group and family therapy, the therapist has multiple therapeutic relationships with each participant, which can create potential conflicts of interest or boundary issues that the therapist must navigate carefully (Gehart, 2024). Issues of informed consent, decision-making autonomy, and the potential for coercion or undue influence become more nuanced in the group or family context.

How These Differences Might Impact Your Therapeutic Approaches for Clients in Group, Individual, and Family Therapy

The differences in legal and ethical considerations for group, individual, and family therapy necessitate distinct therapeutic approaches. In individual therapy, the focus is solely on the client’s needs, and confidentiality is maintained solely between the therapist and client. However, in group and family therapy settings, the therapist must navigate complex group dynamics, power imbalances, and potential conflicts among participants while ensuring confidentiality extends to all members (Gehart, 2024). This requires employing facilitation techniques to manage group interactions, address potential breaches of confidentiality, and promote a safe, inclusive environment for all participants to engage.

Why Each of the Supporting Sources Is Considered Scholarly

The supporting sources are considered scholarly because they go through a rigorous review and editorial process before being published. The rigorous process ensures that the sources present well-substantiated information and arguments based on empirical evidence rather than opinions or unverified claims. They are written by psychology experts and researchers who provide in-depth analysis, original research findings, and comprehensive referencing of previous credible works. In addition, the sources adhere to high standards of research methodology, factual accuracy, objectivity, and ethical guidelines established within the psychiatry field.

YEWANDE

Post an explanation of whether psychotherapy has a biological basis.

Psychotherapy absolutely has a biological basis. Through the utilization of fMRI (Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging) there have been many studies that have physically observed the changes in the brain as a result of psychotherapy. Psychotherapy has been shown to decrease activity in the amygdala and the hippocampus (Beauregard, 2014). The amygdala is the portion of the brain that is connected to regulating emotions like fear. The hippocampus is also a portion of the brain that is known to control memory and emotions. These changes are significant proof that psychotherapy can in fact impact our very neuroplastic and malleable brain to help us improve our mental health.

Explain how culture, religion, and socioeconomics might influence one’s perspective on the value of psychotherapy treatments.

There are various cultural, religious, and socio economic perspectives that can affect how individuals view and value psychotherapy. I would like to start by stating there are always exceptions to the rule and I do not want this to be a simple generalization of any subgroup of people. These are simply some observations that are important to take note of.

Some Christian religions do not support the use of therapy alone (Lloyd, Mengistu, & Reid, 2022). They have the perspective that you only need to talk to God and pray (Lloyd, Mengistu, & Reid, 2022). Mental illness is considered to be a spiritual attack and hence there should be faith involved and not therapy (Lloyd, Mengistu, & Reid, 2022) While this is not for all, some of the Christian faith believe that the only person that can heal you is God and hence there is no reason to go to psychotherapy. In this line of thinking you shouldn’t be talking to man you should be talking to God. Only then do you have true faith and God/Jesus rewards true faith with healing. Going to an external form of assistance can be viewed as having little or weak faith.

There are also some cultural groups that view going to therapy as a weakness. This tends to be from African American cultural groups. Again I would like to stress this is not meant to be a generalization, there are many African Americans that do not ascribe to this form of thinking. Some view therapy as something that is not essential and that to cultivate strength one must keep their issues to themselves or go to the church (Ward et al., 2013). If there is not clear or visible physical harm then there is no need for treatment. Some may view therapy as an unnecessary luxury. To admit to experiencing mental illness is to admit weakness (Ward et al., 2013). To some, this is not valued in an environment where strength is valued. It is seen as lazy to go to get treatment for something that is not perceived as life threatening.

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.

There are various ethical and legal concerns to have with group and family therapy. One being HIPAA. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act) is centered on maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality (Colleti, 200). How can this be done in a group or family setting? Is it possible to maintain confidentiality and privacy when everyone is in an open conversation with others in the room? An ethical issue would be genuine conversation. It is hard for an individual to open up when the main issue or individuals causing their stress is in therapy with them. Do they feel comfortable saying exactly how they feel? Will the group setting hinder them from opening up and being honest? While group therapy can be helpful in terms of coming up to agreements and making sure everyone understands each other, there are some concerns. This group or family setting can limit genuine connection, interactions, and conversation with a therapist that is only possible on an individual therapeutic level of communication.

References

Beauregard, M. (2014). Functional neuroimaging studies of the effects of psychotherapy. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 16(1), 75-81.

Colletti, A. C. (2000). HIPAA: An Overview. Health Law., 13, 14.

Lloyd, C. E., Mengistu, B. S., & Reid, G. (2022). “His Main Problem Was Not Being in a Relationship With God”: Perceptions of Depression, Help-Seeking, and Treatment in Evangelical Christianity. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, 831534.

Ward, E. C., Wiltshire, J. C., Detry, M. A., & Brown, R. L. (2013). African American men and women’s attitude toward mental illness, perceptions of stigma, and preferred coping behaviors. Nursing research, 62(3), 185-194.