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1. The term “depth psychology” is appropriate for referring to psychoanalysis, but not for all types of psychotherapy. Any psychotherapy that involves in-depth self-assessments through the exploration of unconscious or subconscious urges, dreams, or childhood memories can be considered depth psychology. As the term suggests, depth psychology presumes that psychological issues have deep roots, requiring a process of systematic digging. Self-awareness is only possible through an understanding of all psychic content that has been and still is being repressed or suppressed (Axelrod, 2012). Depth psychology is therefore important for persons who experienced childhood traumas, or people seeking to understand the causes of their lingering anxiety or depression. Other therapeutic models like cognitive-behavioral therapy or positive psychology do not focus on the subconscious or unconscious but mainly on manifest behaviors.

According to Firestone (2009), depth psychology has its detractors because of the long periods of time required to complete the therapeutic process, and because of the costs involved. It is also assumed that depth psychology focuses too much on the past, on repressed sexual urges, or on nebulous dream imagery versus on behaviors that can be observed and potentially modified. Likewise, the culture has become more predisposed for quick fix solutions including medications for treating psychological symptoms.

Depth psychology precludes quick fixes. The difference between depth psychology and other forms of therapy is like the difference between snorkeling and diving. It is possible to discover many interesting species while snorkeling, but diving allows a more comprehensive view and understanding of underwater life. The notion of superficial healing is anathema to depth psychology. A depth psychologist is not trying to create immediate results or an instantaneous change in mood, but to gain self-awareness, which can theoretically lead to deeper and more meaningful change.

2. Psychotherapy has almost become synonymous with “talk therapy.” Even psychiatrists who rely heavily on pharmacological interventions over in-depth talking sessions will at times incorporate talk therapy methods. Talk therapy has transformed the field of psychology, in clinical and counseling sessions. The field of psychology has diversified to include different models or theories of talk therapy, from traditional psychoanalysis to life coaching.

Talk therapy has positively contributed to the growth of psychology as a helping science, because instead of focusing on the biological precursors to psychological problems, the individual works through problems on their own in a systematic way. Talk therapy encourages self-awareness, which is not possible if the person is given medication alone (Axelrod, 2012). Through the talk therapy model, the person can role play, seeing their interpersonal communication problems from alternative perspectives. Talk therapy can also include a gradual opening up about traumatic experiences in childhood or more recent personal history. Through talk therapy, a person might come to hear themselves talk, recognizing their own cognitive biases, cognitive fallacies, and negative self-talk preventing success. In this way, talk therapy is used in a number of different helping professions related to psychology such as social work.

However, other therapy strategies that are not related to talk therapy have also made significant contributions than talk therapy to the growth of psychology as a helping science. Neuroscience, for example, has promoted understanding of the biological factors that either increase risk for or exacerbate the symptoms of mental illnesses. However, neuroscience is no substitute for talk therapy and has not necessarily had a greater contribution to the field. Neuroscience and talk therapy are ideally integrated to help individuals resolve psychological problems.






References

Axelrod, S. D. (2012). \\"Self-awareness: At the interface of executive development and psychoanalytic therapy. Psychoanalytic Inquiry, 32(4), 340–357.
Firestone, R. (2009). The death of psychoanalysis and depth psychotherapy. Psychology Today. Retrieved online: https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-human-experience/200901/the-death-psychoanalysis-and-depth-psychotherapy
Weaver, Y. (2009). Mid-life - A time of crisis or new possibilities? Existential Analysis, 20(1), 69–78.