The Assignment
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In a 2- to 3-page paper, address the following:
Briefly describe humanistic-existential psychotherapy and the second approach you selected.
Explain at least three differences between these therapies. Include how these differences might impact your practice as a PMHNP.
Focusing on one video you viewed, explain why humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with the patient in the video and why it was the treatment of choice. Describe the expected potential outcome if the second approach had been used with the patient.
Support your response with specific examples from this week’s media and at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources. Explain why each of your supporting sources is considered scholarly. Attach the PDFs of your sources.
Sample 1 – Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Other Approaches
Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Other Approaches
Humanistic Existential Therapy
This approach in therapy is concerned with helping clients discover personal meaning, or meaning of themselves and their world. It also helps them establish their uniqueness. Using this approach, the therapist guides the client on how to discover a more meaningful experience and existence of their lives (Feizi et al., 2019). With the therapist’s guidance, the client begins to explore the areas in their lives which are positive and can thus support them in their healing endeavors. The client then identifies with the aspects of their life that are problematic or affect their mental health; and works to disposing them so as to enjoy a fuller life. Generally, humanistic-existential therapy focuses on individual experience, their personal responsibility, and search for meaning (Feizi et al., 2019). The individual learns more about free will, finding their personal meaning, and navigating through their life’s challenges intentionally and authentically. The therapist encourages the client to foster personal responsibility by helping them realize their power in creating their life experiences, and promoting change (Pacciolla, 2019). The therapist also creates a non-judgmental space for the client, as this fosters trust and a therapeutic alliance.
Individual Cognitive Therapy
Referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this therapeutic approach focuses on helping the client to identify their unhelpful or maladaptive thinking patterns that lead to their psychological difficulties or emotional distress, and replace them with healthier and positive thinking patterns (Heidenreich et al., 2021). At the epicenter of this therapeutic approach is the negative thoughts and beliefs that shape how the client acts, and changing these distortions so as to enhance the client’s emotional health and consequently, their behavior. The therapist also helps the client develop problem-solving skills and various coping strategies to deal with daily stressors. For instance, the therapist can train the client to identify triggers for maladaptive thinking, and taking the moment to engage in breathing exercises so as to calm their thoughts. Often, this approach is used to treat conditions such as anxiety, depression, and schizoaffective disorder, among others.
Differences between Humanistic-Existential Therapy and CBT
A noteworthy difference between these two therapeutic approaches is that humanistic-existential therapy is rooted in the philosophy that individuals have an inner ability for developing themselves personally, creating self-awareness, and finding true meaning in life. This approach focuses on one’s subjective experience and the client’s ability to make choices that shape the outcomes in their lives (Gehart, 2024). Conversely, CBT is rooted in the idea that one’s thoughts tend to influence their behaviors, and consequently, their emotions. It focuses on identifying dysfunctional thinking patterns and modifying them by replacing them with realistic and more positive though patterns (Heidenreich et al., 2021). Ultimately, CBT views emotional challenges as stemming from cognitive distortion, and seeks to change these through changing thought processes.
Another difference between the two approaches is that humanistic-existential therapy focuses on personal meaning, self-discovery, and authenticity (Paciolla, 2019). Clients explore their feelings and life purpose, with the goal of fostering personal growth and helps the client to confront existential issues such as anxiety (Gehart, 2024). Conversely, CBT is more problem-focused by identifying specific issues such as negative thoughts, and replacing them with realistic ones. It is also focused on specific issues such as anxiety and depression, where the client sets goals, and seeks to alleviate emotional symptoms contributing to their distress.
Another difference is that with existential-humanistic therapy, the therapist offers the client empathy and non-judgmental acceptance through the sessions; with the aim of developing a therapeutic alliance. This relationship has a healing effect on the client. Conversely, with CBT, the relationship between the client and the therapist tends to be collaborative, with the client taking instruction from the therapist regarding changing their maladaptive thinking patterns (Heidenreich et al., 2021).
As a PMHNP, these differences would affect my practice in that the PMHNP needs to be conversant with how to explore life’s purpose and find personal meaning when applying existential- humanistic therapy (Wheeler, 2020). A PMHNP who utilizes the CBT approach needs to develop skills in instructing the client how to challenge their negative thoughts and replace them with positive ones.
Humanistic-Existential Therapy in the Video
In the video, it is evident that humanistic-existential therapy was applied to help the patient gain a clearer understanding of their true self. Dr. Bugental argues that for clients to achieve inner peace, they need to develop a strong sense of self and a deeper understanding of the world around them, completely independent of societal influences. Bugental argues that clients need to move beyond their usual defenses to fully grasp the despair they may be experiencing. By using humanistic-existential therapy, individuals can prevent themselves from feeling lost or directionless. However, cultivating a deeper sense of self is often challenging due to the effects of social conditioning. For instance, cultural factors shape one’s identity by influencing how they perceive themselves in relation to their environment. Developing a subjective self-concept, free from societal pressures, is the initial step in resolving existential crises, which are often linked to psychological and emotional distress.
On the other hand, if cognitive therapy were applied in this session, the client would focus on challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with more balanced, realistic perspectives. While existential therapy emphasizes subjective self-exploration, cognitive therapy relies on applying objective reasoning to reshape thought patterns, which is a key difference between the two approaches.
References
Feizi, M., Kamali, Z., Gholami, M., Abadi, B., & Moeini, S. (2019). The effectiveness of existential psychotherapy on attitude to life and self-flourishing of educated women homemakers. Journal of education and health promotion , 8 , 237. https://doi.org/10.4103/jehp.jehp_473_18
Gehart, D. R. (2024). Mastering competencies in family therapy: A practical approach to theories and clinical case documentation (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Heidenreich, T., Noyon, A., Worrell, M., & Menzies, R. (2021). Existential Approaches and Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Challenges and Potential. International journal of cognitive therapy , 14 (1), 209–234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41811-020-00096-1
Pacciolla, A. (2019). Humanistic and Existential Psychology in the Practice of Psychotherapy. Studia Philosophica Et Theologica , 19 (1), 1-19. https://doi.org/10.35312/spet.v19i1.84
Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2020). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing.
Sample 2 – Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Effective psychotherapy care is determined by diverse factors, including the experience of the mental health professional, the effectiveness of the approach used, and the ability to tailor the approach to address the client’s needs effectively. With the existence of different psychotherapeutic approaches, understanding the limitations and strengths of each of them is critical to psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) and their ability to deliver personalized and effective care (Wheeler, 2020). Some psychotherapeutic approaches used include humanistic-existential psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral, behavioral, modeling, and skill training approaches. This explores and compares humanistic-existential psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy, focusing on their strengths, limitations, application to specific clinical cases, and how they align with PMHNPs’ efforts to meet their patient’s needs.
Brief description of humanistic-existential psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
According to Heidenreich et al. (2021), humanistic-existential psychotherapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on individual clients’ capacity for self-awareness, search for meaning, and free will. The approach is based on Carl Rogers’s ideologies of person-centered therapy and existential therapy by Rollo May. It focuses on patients’ subjective empathy and therapeutic relations. The method is suitable in cases where the focus is personal growth, self-acceptance, and encouragement. More so, it helps address issues such as isolation, anxiety, and death. On the other hand, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is an approach that focuses on the interactions between a client’s behaviors, feelings, and thoughts. According to Nakao et al. (2021), CBT is a structured goal-driven model that utilizes techniques such as cognitive restructuring and behavior activation to help clients face issues such as depression and anxiety, among other mental health disorders.
Major Differences Between The Two Therapeutic Models
While they are major therapeutic strategies in psychotherapy, CBT and humanistic-existential differ in diverse aspects, including focus, technique, and application. According to Robbins (2021), the two strategies differ in approach, with one focusing on the present. In contrast, the other focuses on the past/present, whereby humanistic-existential therapy emphasizes living in the present moment while exploring personal meaning (PsychotherapyNet, 2009b). On the other hand, CBT focuses on the present, yes, but reviews past behaviors and thought patterns to identify areas that need change. Another difference is that while CBT is structured and problem-focused, targeting a defined issue, i.e., anxiety, the humanistic-existential model is open-ended and centered on the client’s needs, prioritizing growth and meaning-making. Thirdly, humanistic, existential therapy recognizes the therapeutic relationship with the client as an integral part of healing (PsychotherapyNet, 2009). CBT, while recognizing a good alliance with the client, focuses more on strategies and techniques that would help the client alter his/her behaviors and thinking.
How the Differences Impact PMHNP Practice
Understanding the differences between the CBT and humanistic-existential approaches helps the PMHNP select the best approach depending on therapeutic goals and client needs. On the other hand, the differences inform the treatment plans for PMHNPs. For example, for a care provider working in a clinical setting where patients’ immediate relief of symptoms is key, i.e., anxiety, the CBT approach may be preferred. On the other hand, in cases where patients may be wrestling with existential issues such as making meaning or long-term distress, a humanistic approach was a better fit (Gehart, 2024). Understanding the differences between the two models demands flexibility regarding PMHNP practice. This allowed the professional nurse to factor in aspects such as progressive monitoring, length of therapy, expected outcomes and treatment plan, and culturally informed care.
Selected Video Review
The selected video is ‘ Theories of Counseling – Existential Therapy” by Dr. Todd Grande.’ It provides an overview of existential therapy and its key facets. The doctor explains how the use of the existential theory helps the focused client face key aspects of his existence, i.e., isolation, freedom, etc. The doctor’s input is to help the client shape his life as the therapist assists in attaining the required goals (Grande, 2016).
As to why the choice for humanist-existential psychotherapy suited the case scenario, it aligned with the type of client and their needs as they were identified as facing an existential crisis or searching for meaning in their life. Utilizing the therapeutic approach allows the patient to work collaboratively with the therapist to confront the diverse uncertainties, creating personal fulfillment. The choice also fits clients identified with issues such as profound anxiety, feeling lonely or isolated, or fear of death. The choice for this therapeutic model is key to addressing the personal input of those facing deeply rooted issues or personal concerns.
Using the CBT model in the same video or case, the therapist would engage in finding the source of irrational thoughts and subsequently reshaping them to reduce stress. The use of CBT may help address some client’s immediate symptoms, such as depression or anxiety. However, the practice may fail to address the clients underlying existential concerns adequately. In summary, CBT would successfully address immediate client needs by addressing symptoms. Still, it lacks the comprehensive exploration of the existential issues designed to be addressed using humanistic-existential psychotherapy practice.
Conclusion
Humanistic-existential and CBT are different therapeutic approaches used to address mental issues. CBT focuses on the client changing maladaptive patterns of thoughts and behaviors, adopting a structured approach to address the symptoms. Conversely, humanistic-existential therapy stresses on clients’ personal growth and self-awareness by exploring existential issues. It is indispensable for PMHNP to understand different psychotherapy practices, including their differences, to effectively leverage their strengths and address diverse mental health and patient needs.
References
Gehart, D. R. (2024). Mastering competencies in family therapy: A practical approach to theories and clinical case documentation (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Grande, T. (2016). Theories of Counseling – Existential Therapy. In YouTube . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvAvc2aWup0
Heidenreich, T., Noyon, A., Worrell, M., & Menzies, R. (2021). Existential Approaches and Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Challenges and Potential. International journal of cognitive therapy , 14 (1), 209–234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41811-020-00096-1
Nakao, M., Shirotsuki, K., & Sugaya, N. (2021). Cognitive–behavioral Therapy for Management of Mental Health and stress-related disorders: Recent Advances in Techniques and Technologies. BioPsychoSocial Medicine , 15 (1), 1–4. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13030-021-00219-w
PsychotherapyNet. (2009). Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy with James Bugental Video. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVS93POgQA8
PsychotherapyNet. (2009b). James Bugental Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy Video. In YouTube . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-B2MVr30Yw
Robbins B. D. (2021). The Joyful Life: An Existential-Humanistic Approach to Positive Psychology in the Time of a Pandemic. Frontiers in psychology , 12 , 648600. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648600
Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2020). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing.
Sample 3 – Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Other Approaches
Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Other Approaches
Humanistic-existential psychotherapy (H-EP) focuses on current circumstances by promoting personal growth and self-awareness. Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy involves the therapist helping clients in accepting responsibility for the state they are in currently and its consequences (Ziaee et al., 2021). In addition to this, H-EP assumes that every person is inherently good and the application of this form of therapy guiding them to improve their awareness of personal existence. According to Ziaee et al. (2021), H-EP focuses on key aspects such as human potential, free will, and creativity. An added benefit in using this method is that it aids the client in acknowledge that free will involves making a choice when facing an uncertain future. 2021). On the other hand, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is defined by Xena as talk therapy. Through CBT, focus is placed on the problems management by identifying and changing destructive behaviors and thoughts. According to Nakao et al. (2021), CBT is applied based on the premise of an interconnection between thoughts, actions, feelings, and physical sensations. Given this, there is an understanding that negative thoughts and feelings create a negative cycle and positive and optimistic thoughts lessen the negative cycle. Based on CBT, clients are guided to focus less on past problems and focus more on current issues. Arguably, this is a pragmatic approach that identifies and solves specific current problems (Nakao et al., 2021). As well, the approach adopts a structured method that discusses specific issues, focuses on the current problems, sets achievable goals.
Differences Between These Therapies
The first evident difference between CBT and H-EP is that the latter helps the client understand how past experiences influence present goals, whereas CBT alters cognition and behavior to facilitate self-growth (Hajibabaei et al., 2020). Another difference lies in the fact that H-EP analyzes the present existentially with emphasis placed on transcendence and motivation of the client. This is done to achieve a personal sense of life. Quite the opposite, CBT focuses on thoughts, emotions, somatic reactions, and behaviors recognizing that these are learned and maintained in the present. This way, this method suggests that these can be deliberately changed. Another difference is that while H-EP creates an elaborate outlook of expectations and desired future, CBT focuses on gaining self-growth through strategies such as targeting cognition and behavior for alteration (Hajibabaei et al., 2020). From a PMHNP’s point of view, these differences have the potential to impact practice in several ways. For example, utilizing H-EP would require the PMHNP to place more emphasis on exploring past experiences of the client and these shape current goals. This would enable the PMHNP to better understand their personal journey and sense of purpose. With CBT, the approach by the PMHNP would be more focused on identifying and modifying current thought patterns and behaviors to address present issues Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Other Approaches.
H-EP Utilized and the Expected Potential Outcome if the CBT Approach was Used
Dr. Todd Grande explains existential therapy as a counseling theory whereby he clarifies that this approach to therapy is appropriate for guiding clients to attain self-actualization. He also mentions that the use of this approach helps in searching for purpose and establishing meaning in life. A client taken through H-EP is expected to receive client-centered therapy and be guided by a PMHNP or a psychologist in understanding that life has meaning. This way, they are able to acknowledge personal responsibility for self-direction over time (Grande, 2016). In contrast, using CBT with the same patient may not achieve the same results because it focuses on changing cognition and behavior without considering past experiences. More importantly, CBT may be unsuitable for persons with complex issues because it involves confronting anxieties and emotions. According to Nakao et al. (2021), this is something that anxious clients may not appreciate. Notably, since human experiences are often complex, the use of CBT is limited in identifying and addressing issues efficiently.
Scholarly Sources
The supported sources are considered scholarly because they were authored by scholars and experts whose credentials and affiliations indicate that they are experts on the subject. In addition, the information presented in the sources is based on facts that can be verified, have citations and references for verification, and are accurate. This appeals to scholarly use as it has a sense of logic, not emotion, is not biased, and uses facts, not opinions, to explore the ideas presented. Besides that, the information is presented using technical and specialized language, indicating that it is written for an audience familiar with and understanding the subject. The language is not simplistic and reasonably technical. Furthermore, it contributes to current knowledge by sharing insights, analyses, theories, and summaries. Moreover, they have been peer-reviewed and published in the past five years, showing that they present current knowledge and have passed an assessment for originality, validity, and significance.
References
Grande, T. (2016, January 9). Theories of counseling – Existential therapy . [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvAvc2aWup0
Hajibabaei, M., Kajbaf, B., Esmaeili, M., Harirchian, M. H., & Montazeri, A. (2020). Impact of an Existential-Spiritual Intervention Compared with a Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy on Quality of Life and Meaning in Life among Women with Multiple Sclerosis. Iranian journal of psychiatry , 15 (4), 322–330. https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v15i4.4298
Heidenreich, T., Noyon, A., Worrell, M., & Menzies, R. (2021). Existential Approaches and Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Challenges and Potential. International journal of cognitive therapy, 14 (1), 209–234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41811-020-00096-1
Nakao, M., Shirotsuki, K., & Sugaya, N. (2021). Cognitive-behavioral therapy for management of mental health and stress-related disorders: Recent advances in techniques and technologies. BioPsychoSocial medicine , 15 (1), 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13030-021-00219-w
Ziaee, A., Nejat, H., Amarghan, H. A., & Fariborzi, E. (2021). Existential therapy versus acceptance and commitment therapy for feelings of loneliness and irrational beliefs in male prisoners. European Journal of Translational Myology , 32 (1), 102171. https://doi.org/10.4081/ejtm.2022.102171 Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Other Approaches
