Therapeutic Approaches Class 12 Important Questions | CBSE Psychology Notes 2026

Therapeutic Approaches – Class 12 Psychology Important Questions (CBSE 2026)

The Therapeutic Approaches chapter is one of the highest weightage and most scoring units in Class 12 Psychology. CBSE frequently asks 5-mark theory questions and case-study based questions from this chapter.

If you prepare this unit properly, you can easily score full marks.

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Very Important Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. Define Psychotherapy. Explain its goals.

2. Explain Psychoanalytic Therapy with techniques.

3. Explain Behaviour Therapy and its methods.

4. Explain Cognitive Therapy.

5. Describe the Humanistic-Existential Therapy approach.

6. Explain the importance of the therapist-client relationship.

These questions are repeatedly asked in boards.

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Psychoanalytic Therapy (High Probability)

Based on ideas of Sigmund Freud.

Important Points to Prepare:

• Free Association

• Dream Interpretation

• Resistance

• Transference

Expected Question:

Explain Psychoanalytic Therapy and its techniques.

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Behaviour Therapy (Frequently Asked)

Focuses on changing maladaptive behaviour.

Techniques:

• Systematic Desensitization

• Flooding

• Aversion Therapy

• Positive Reinforcement

Expected Question:

Explain techniques of Behaviour Therapy.

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Cognitive Therapy (Very Important)

Focuses on changing irrational thinking patterns.

Key Points:

• Identify negative thoughts

• Replace with rational thinking

• Homework assignments

Expected Question:

What is Cognitive Therapy? Explain with example.

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Humanistic-Existential Therapy

Focus on self-growth and personal potential.

Key Concepts:

• Unconditional positive regard

• Empathy

• Self-actualisation

Often asked as short note (3–5 marks).

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Case Study Questions (Very Common)

CBSE often gives situations like:

• Person afraid of dogs → Behaviour therapy

• Person has irrational negative thoughts → Cognitive therapy

• Patient talks freely about childhood → Psychoanalytic therapy

Always answer in 3 steps:

1. Identify therapy

2. Define it

3. Explain why suitable

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3-Mark Important Short Notes

• Goals of Psychotherapy

• Techniques of Psychoanalytic Therapy

• Systematic Desensitization

• Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)

• Therapist-client relationship

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Quick Comparison (Very Helpful for Exams)

Therapy	Focus	Method
Psychoanalytic	Unconscious mind	Free association
Behaviour	Behaviour change	Conditioning
Cognitive	Thinking patterns	Thought correction
Humanistic	Self-growth	Empathy & acceptance

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How to Score Full Marks

✔ Start with definition
✔ Write headings
✔ Mention techniques clearly
✔ Give example
✔ Underline keywords

Structured answers increase marks.

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20-Minute Quick Revision Plan

• 5 min → Psychoanalytic Therapy

• 5 min → Behaviour Therapy

• 5 min → Cognitive Therapy

• 3 min → Humanistic Therapy

• 2 min → Case-study practice

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Final Advice

For CBSE Class 12 Psychology 2026:

• Prepare definitions clearly

• Revise therapy techniques

• Practice case-based questions

• Focus on therapist-client relationship

This chapter is conceptual and easy to score if you write structured answers. Revise smartly and you can easily score high in Therapeutic Approaches.

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Click here to read about Psychology Class 12 Most Important Questions 2026 | Psychology CBSE Board Exam Guide: https://dekhocampus.com/news/psychology-class-12-most-important-questions-2026-cbse

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