[Psychotherapy in the life sciences].

Abstract

In the 150 years since psychotherapies were theoretically founded and first practised, changes have occurred in the understanding of humans from concepts based on physical sciences to concepts rooted in biologic life sciences. Biopsychosocial knowledge of the way human nature links with environmental factors has resulted in new views on the causes of psychological disorders and the tasks of psychotherapy. The main selective processes of adjustment to the environment take place with genetic variations between the 6th and 20th years of life and in further developments until death. Psychotherapy has to overcome pathologically distorted impressions of the environment. Latent abilities and neglected options need to manifest themselves for patients to find a new outlook on life.