NCERT Class 12 Psychology Psychology: Chapter 5 — Therapeutic Approaches
This chapter, NCERT Class 12 Psychology Chapter 5, introduces the fundamental nature and process of psychotherapy. It explains that psychotherapy is a voluntary, confidential, and dynamic relationship between a therapist and a client, aimed at helping the client overcome psychological problems and maladaptive behaviours. The chapter outlines the goals of psychotherapy, including reinforcing the client's resolve for betterment, lessening emotional pressure, fostering positive growth, modifying habits, changing thinking patterns, increasing self-awareness, and improving interpersonal relations. It emphasizes that all therapeutic approaches involve a systematic application of theoretical principles and require trained professionals. The chapter also touches upon different types of therapies and the rehabilitation of individuals with mental disorders, preparing students for understanding psychological interventions and recovery.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Psychology |
| Book | Psychology |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — Therapeutic Approaches |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 3 minutes |
| Word count | 443 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the basic nature and process of psychotherapy.
- Appreciate the existence of different types of therapies.
- Recognize the use of psychological interventions.
- Learn about the rehabilitation of individuals with mental disorders.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Psychotherapy | A voluntary relationship between a therapist and a client to help solve psychological problems. |
| Therapeutic Relationship | A confidential, interpersonal, and dynamic relationship between therapist and client, central to psychological therapy. |
| Maladaptive behaviours | Behaviors that are not helpful or are detrimental to an individual's well-being or social functioning. |
| Rehabilitation | The process of restoring someone to a state of good health or normal life through training and therapy. |
| Psychological disorders | Conditions that affect a person's thinking, feeling, or behavior, causing distress and impairing functioning. |
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Practice questions
- What is the primary purpose of psychotherapy? Answer: To help the client solve the psychological problems they are facing.
- What are the key characteristics of a therapeutic relationship? Answer: It is confidential, interpersonal, and dynamic.
- List two goals of psychotherapeutic approaches. Answer: Any two from: Reinforcing client's resolve for betterment, lessening emotional pressure, unfolding potential for positive growth, modifying habits, changing thinking patterns, increasing self-awareness, improving interpersonal relations and communication.
- Who is qualified to practice psychotherapy? Answer: Persons who have received practical training under expert supervision.
Practice MCQs
Q1. Psychotherapy is best described as a:
Explanation: Psychotherapy is defined as a voluntary relationship between a therapist and a client aimed at resolving psychological issues.
Q2. Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of all psychotherapeutic approaches?
Explanation: While psychotherapy helps with mental health, it does not inherently require a medical doctor's prescription, unlike some medical treatments.
Q3. The therapeutic relationship is described as:
Explanation: The text explicitly states the therapeutic relationship is confidential, interpersonal, and dynamic, serving as the vehicle for change.
Q4. A key goal of psychotherapy is to:
Explanation: One of the primary aims of psychotherapy is to reduce the client's emotional distress and help them adapt better.
Q5. Who can practice psychotherapy according to the chapter?
Explanation: The chapter states that psychotherapy should only be practiced by persons who have received practical training under expert supervision.
Frequently asked questions
What is psychotherapy?
Psychotherapy is a voluntary relationship between a therapist and a client, aimed at helping the client solve psychological problems and overcome maladaptive behaviours.
What is the role of the therapeutic relationship in psychotherapy?
The therapeutic relationship is a confidential, interpersonal, and dynamic bond between the therapist and client, which is central to the process and acts as the vehicle for change.
What are some common goals of psychotherapy?
Goals include reinforcing the client's resolve for betterment, lessening emotional pressure, fostering positive growth, modifying habits, changing thinking patterns, increasing self-awareness, and improving interpersonal relations.
Can anyone practice psychotherapy?
No, only persons who have received practical training under expert supervision are qualified to practice psychotherapy.
What does it mean to rehabilitate mentally ill individuals?
Rehabilitation involves helping individuals with mental disorders to recover and reintegrate into society, often through therapeutic interventions and support.
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NCERT Class 12 Psychology — Psychology — Chapter 5 — Therapeutic Approaches. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.