From Freud to Modernism

The history of psychotherapy

In the past, people who did not fit into the norm were often treated badly. It wasn't easy to be different. And it was already enough to feel sad to be this "different". They were quickly put in a drawer. Fortunately, today we are more open to differences.

An overview of the development of psychological treatment approaches

Psychotherapy has become an essential part of modern mental health care for centuries.

Beginnings of Psychotherapy

The history of psychotherapy can be traced back to the ancient philosophers such as Socrates, who dealt with questions of mental well-being. However, modern psychotherapy only began in the 19th century. Century with Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. Freud developed the theory that unconscious processes such as repressed memories and internal conflicts strongly influence human behavior and mental health. His methods, such as dream interpretation and free association, formed the basis for many other psychotherapeutic approaches.

From Freud to new forms of therapy

With the further development of psychotherapy in the 20th century In the 20th century, many new, scientifically based approaches emerged, including:

• Behavioural therapy: This form of therapy, shaped by researchers such as B.F. Skinner and John Watson, focuses on observable behavior and how it can be changed by environmental influences. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), developed by Aaron T. Beck, combines behavioral techniques with the analysis of thought patterns and processes.
• Humanistic therapyApproaches such as Gestalt therapy (Fritz Perls) or client-centered therapy (Carl Rogers) focus on personal self-realization and human potential. Empathy, authenticity and unconditional positive appreciation play a central role here.
• Systemic therapy: Especially in family or couple therapy this method is used. It looks at people in the context of their social environment and analyzes how relationships and interactions affect mental health.

Psychotherapy today

Today’s psychotherapy comprises a wide range of approaches that can be individually tailored to the needs of patients. Many therapists use an integrative approach and combine techniques from different forms of therapy to ensure effective treatment. Advances in neuroscience and clinical psychology have produced new, evidence-based methods that support patients worldwide.

We offer them integrative psychotherapy in which we include the latest neuroscience findings. In addition to the proven, specialized tools for individual treatment, we apply such as:

• PEP® Process-oriented Embodiment-Focused PsychologyIn short: PEP is a highly effective and easily learnable self-regulation technique that involves the body in the processing of stressful emotions (embodiment). Further information can be found under Dr Michael Bohne
• BrainspottingA deep psychological method used to process trauma and emotional blockages. Further information can be found on the Brainspotting Germany Side.
• HeartMathA scientifically based procedure for stress management and heart coherence. More information is available on the HeartMath Germany Side.
• Focusing: This method promotes inner mindfulness and the experience of physical sensations. More about this on the side of the German Focusing Society.
• Hypnosis: Every person is an individual. Psychotherapy should therefore be defined in such a way that it meets the uniqueness of an individual’s needs, rather than so fitting the person. ^{Milton H. Erickson}

For detailed information on the history and development of psychotherapy, we recommend the following links:

• About Sigmund Freud and Psychoanalysis
• What is behavioral therapy?
• Systemic therapy explained