What Is Insight-Oriented Therapy?The goal of insight-oriented therapy is to help clients understand how past experiences can affect their current behavior. Although insight-oriented therapy has several formulations, there are common elements. One of these elements is the concept of unconscious internal conflicts stemming from early life experiences. Show
These unresolved conflicts may cause problems in adulthood because they are hidden from conscious awareness. Symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, low self-esteem, grief, depression, physical pain, sexual difficulties, loneliness, relationship difficulties, and difficulty adjusting to change may be signs that a client's problems stem from an internal conflict rather than poor circumstances or some other external factor. It is the role of the therapist to help clients understand how their current life problems may be connected with this internal conflict, often by exploring the client's past experiences and identifying certain patterns or themes. The process can be speedy—occurring over a matter of days or months—or extremely lengthy depending on the patient's willingness to explore their emotions and memories. Discomfort is not uncommon during therapy sessions as things might trigger negative feelings. As insight emerges, so does an increased understanding of one's own behavior. As clients gain understanding about themselves, they are also in a better position to change dysfunctional behaviors that have been causing them difficulties. Insight-oriented therapy is a type of psychodynamic therapy, which means that it focuses on the psychological factors that influence behavior. This approach has been around for over 100 years and has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions. Techniques of Insight-Oriented TherapySome of the techniques that may be used in insight-oriented therapy include the following:
What Insight-Oriented Therapy Can Help WithInsight-oriented therapy may be helpful with a wide range of mental health conditions, including the following: Anxiety and DepressionPeople who suffer from depression or anxiety sometimes experience feelings of inadequacy that may stem from problems in early life. Insight-oriented therapy can help clients to explore these issues and gain insight into how they came to believe such negative things about themselves. Eating DisordersEating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa, are sometimes associated with unconscious conflicts related to the desire for control. Participants in insight-oriented therapy can come to understand why they feel the need for such rigid control over their eating habits and how this relates to conflicts from the past. Insight-oriented therapy can help clients develop healthier ways of coping with these feelings. Substance AbuseInsight-oriented therapy can be a useful aid for those who wish to overcome addiction. Clients will come to understand the motivations behind using substances and therapists can work with them to find healthier alternatives for dealing with difficult emotions. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)Insight-oriented therapy can be helpful for people living with PTSD, as it may help them to identify the underlying causes of their symptoms and guide them towards developing healthier ways of coping with triggers. PsychosisInsight-oriented therapy may be helpful for individuals struggling with psychosis, as it provides them an opportunity to gain insight into what might be triggering episodes and how they could come to terms with these issues. Benefits of Insight-Oriented TherapyInsight-oriented therapy can be a beneficial form of treatment for those who are willing to explore their thoughts and feelings in depth. It can help individuals to understand why they feel the way they do, identify any unhealthy patterns of behavior, and find healthier ways of coping with difficult emotions. In addition, insight-oriented therapy can help people to develop a better understanding of themselves and their place in the world. This increased self-awareness can lead to positive changes in both personal and professional relationships. EffectivenessWhile there has not been an abundance of research on insight-oriented therapy, there is some evidence that incorporating insight into therapy is an important agent for change. For example, a 2018 systematic review and meta-analysis investigating the relationship between insight and outcomes after psychotherapy demonstrated the importance of insight during the therapeutic process. Things to ConsiderInsight-oriented therapy can be a powerful tool for self-discovery, but it is not right for everyone. There are a few things to consider before beginning this type of therapy:
How to Get StartedIf you are wondering how to get started with insight-oriented therapy, here are a few tips:
A Word From VerywellIf you are considering seeking therapy, it is important to consider which approach would be most appropriate for you. Not everyone is suited for this type of therapy. In addition, it is important that you ask your therapist about their experience with this type of therapy to ensure that you will be working with a qualified professional. If you are able to make the commitment to attend regular sessions and are willing to make changes in your behavior, insight-oriented therapy may be the right fit for you. Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
By Arlin
Cuncic Thanks for your feedback! Which therapeutic approach is most concerned about changing the problem behavior?Cognitive behavioral therapy is much more concerned with dealing with current problems. The most important thing is helping people to help themselves: They should be able to cope with their lives again without therapy as soon as possible.
Which therapy approach is used to help most disorders now?Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been demonstrated to be effective for a range of problems including depression, anxiety disorders, alcohol and drug use problems, marital problems, eating disorders, and severe mental illness.
Which therapeutic approach uses a variety of techniques integrating several perspectives to treat a person's problems?Eclectic therapy is an approach that draws on multiple theoretical orientations and techniques. It is a flexible and multifaceted approach to therapy that allows the therapist to use the most effective methods available to address each individual client's needs.
Which of the following therapeutic approaches views the goal of psychotherapy as resolving unconscious conflicts?Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unconscious processes as they are manifested in the client's present behavior.
|