Adjuvant psychological therapy is a therapeutic approach that is used in a complementary way to other medical or psychological treatments. In this article, we will explore in detail what adjuvant therapy is, its distinctive characteristics, and some of the most common techniques used in this type of psychological intervention.
Definition of Adjuvant Psychological Therapy
Adjuvant psychological therapy refers to a type of therapeutic intervention that is used in conjunction with other medical or psychological treatments to improve health care outcomes. The word "adjuvant" comes from the Latin "adiuvare", which means "to help" or "to assist". In the context of therapy, the term adjuvant indicates that it is a complementary treatment that is added to another already established therapeutic approach.
The main objective of adjuvant psychological therapy is to provide emotional, psychological and social to individuals who are receiving medical or psychological treatment for a health condition. This form of therapy is used in a wide range of clinical contexts, including chronic illnesses, mental disorders, and problems adapting to stressful situations.
Characteristics of Adjuvant Psychological Therapy
Comprehensive Approach
One of the main characteristics of adjuvant psychological therapy is its comprehensive focus on the well-being of the individual. This form of therapy considers not only the person's physical or psychological symptoms, but also their emotional, social, cognitive and spiritual aspects. By addressing the whole individual, adjuvant therapy seeks to promote a holistic balance in the person's life.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
Another important characteristic of adjuvant psychological therapy is collaboration interdisciplinary. Mental health professionals who provide this type of therapy often work closely with other specialists, such as doctors, nurses, occupational therapists, and social workers. This multidisciplinary collaboration allows for an integrated and coordinated approach to patient treatment.
Treatment Personalization
Adjuvant therapy is characterized by the personalization of treatment to the specific needs of each individual. The therapeutic approaches used are tailored to each person's unique circumstances, considering their medical history, personal preferences, and social context. This personalization of treatment helps to maximize therapeutic benefits and improve patient adherence to the intervention process.
Common Techniques in Adjuvant Psychological Therapy
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
One of the most common techniques used in adjuvant psychological therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapeutic approach focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and dysfunctional behaviors that contribute to the individual's emotional problems. CBT has been shown to be effective in the treatment of disorders such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress, and is often used in addition to conventional medical care.
Mindfulness
Another technique increasingly used in adjuvant psychological therapy is the practice of mindfulness. Mindfulness is a form of full attention that involves consciously and non-judgmentally paying attention to the present moment. This technique has been associated with numerous mental health benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. In the context of adjuvant therapy, mindfulness is used to help individuals better manage their emotions and increase their self-awareness.
Social Support Therapy
Social support therapy It is another common technique in adjuvant psychological therapy. This form of therapy focuses on strengthening the individual's social support networks, fostering positive and supportive relationships with family, friends, and communities. Social support has been shown to be a protective factor in mental and emotional health, and can be especially beneficial for people facing situations of stress or illness.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is another technique used in adjuvant psychological therapy. ACT focuses on helping individuals accept their difficult thoughts and emotions, and commit to actions that are aligned with their personal values and goals. This therapy is based on the idea that fighting negative internal experiences can increase suffering, and promotes psychological flexibility and the development of a meaningful and fulfilling life.
Conclusions
In summary, adjuvant psychological therapy is a complementary therapeutic approach used in conjunction with other medical or psychological treatments to improve health care outcomes. With a comprehensive approach, interdisciplinary collaboration, and personalization of treatment, adjuvant therapy seeks to promote the holistic well-being of individuals receiving medical care.
Using techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, social support therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, adjuvant psychological therapy offers individuals valuable tools to manage stress, improve their mental health and strengthen their emotional resources.