Work

Phototherapy in the context of psychotherapy.

Year: 1994

Type: article

Abstract: Phototherapy, or treatment with bright artificial light, has been used to treat seasonal affective disorder and related conditions. Using the cases of two patients who were treated with both psychotherapy and phototherapy, the author explores the potentially powerful psychotherapeutic aspects of this new treatment. Within a therapeutic relationship, light has a rich symbolism, and it may serve as an inanimate symbol of the therapist. Perhaps because of the lack of well-established guidelines or traditions regarding its use within psychotherapy, however, light treatment can lead to the violation of the usual boundaries of treatment. If this danger is avoided, phototherapy may be a powerful adjunct to psychotherapy.

Source: PubMed Central

Author: R A Schultz-Ross

Institutions: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Harvard University, Massachusetts Mental Health Center

Language: English

Topic: Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications

Subfield: Clinical Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W275153884

FWCI:

Cites:

Cited by: 1

Related to: 10