primal therapy

noun

, Psychiatry.

1. a form of psychotherapy in which the patient is encouraged to relive traumatic events, often screaming or crying, in order to achieve catharsis and a breakdown of psychological defenses.

primal therapy

noun

1. psychol a form of psychotherapy in which patients are encouraged to scream abusively about their parents and agonizingly about their own suffering in infancy Also calledprimal scream therapyscream therapy

Word History and Origins

Origin of primal therapy¹

An Americanism dating back to 1970–75

Word History and Origins

Origin of primal therapy¹

C20: from the book The Primal Scream (1970) by Arthur Janov, US psychologist, who originated the treatment

Example Sentences

Patients then spend six to twelve months in a primal therapy group.

From Project Gutenberg

Primal therapy encourages a repeated cathartic release of pent-up feelings.

From Project Gutenberg

Today there are three main varieties of emotional flooding therapies: bioenergetics, primal therapy, and implosive therapy.

From Project Gutenberg

Primal therapy encourages clients to relive early painful memories.

From Project Gutenberg