centripetal

adj.

1. directed toward the center. For example, a centripetal nerve carries nerve impulses from the periphery to the central nervous system. Compare centrifugal.

2. characterizing treatment approaches that focus inward on minute changes in feelings and impulses, as in psychoanalysis.

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Psychology term of the day

May 10th 2024

active therapy

any form of psychotherapy in which the therapist assumes an active, directive role. An active therapist may express opinions, offer interpretations, make suggestions and recommendations, give advice about the client’s actions and decisions, issue injunctions and prohibitions, or urge the client to take a particular action, such as facing an anxiety-provoking situation directly.