¶ … Philosophical Origins of Clinical Psychology - Psychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, Humanistic, and Family Systems in Relation to Generalized Anxiety Disorder A psychodynamic approach to Generalized Anxiety Disorder takes into account childhood trauma and other fundamental experiences that shape dysfunctional responses to stressors. The underlying philosophy is based on Fruedian theory, illuminating the structure of the ego and how it develops in early childhood. Inadequate or dysfunctional parent-child interactions, such as overprotective parenting, can prevent the healthy development of ego defense mechanisms that can protect the individual from stress and provide the means to cope and overcome ("Anxiety Disorders," n.d.).

Cognitive-behavioral perspectives emphasize dysfunctional thought patterns that underlie anxiety. Those patterns might include maladaptive beliefs or assumptions about the self or the world ("Anxiety Disorders," n.d.). Those thought patterns may or may not have their roots in traumatic experiences, but the philosophy of cognitive-behavioral therapy is on pragmatic change. A cognitive-behavioral philosophy rests on the philosophy that faulty belief systems can be changed in order to affect changes in behavior.

Humanistic philosophies are based on treating the whole person, recognizing that anxiety might stem from an inability to meet higher-level needs such as finding meaning...

The goals of the cognitive-behavioral approach to generalized anxiety disorder would be to change not only the behavioral responses to anxiety but also the root causes such as dysfunctional thinking, or ineffective views of self-worth. The humanistic perspective is built on recognizing a hierarchy of human needs, as Maslow put it ("Humanistic Approach," n.d.). The goals of humanistic psychology are to help the client to meet multiple needs and feel more globally fulfilled. The goal of family systems theory is to include in the therapeutic process any relevant relationship issues that may be causing or exacerbating anxiety and to work through those relationship issues with the goal of healing the entire system.
3) Describe the techniques and strategies used by each…