Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Other Approaches Paper
Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Comparative Analysis
Psychotherapy encompasses a diverse array of approaches designed to assist individuals in navigating their psychological difficulties. Two prominent therapeutic frameworks, humanistic-existential psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are widely utilized in clinical practice, yet they diverge profoundly in their underlying principles and techniques. This paper offers a succinct overview of two therapeutic approaches, highlights their fundamental differences, and examines the application of humanistic-existential psychotherapy in a specific case scenario. Additionally, it evaluates the potential implications if CBT had been utilized with the client, drawing upon relevant scholarly literature.
Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy
Humanistic-existential psychotherapy is an integrated approach that emphasizes personal development, self-reflection, and the pursuit of meaning. It is grounded in the interrelated philosophical frameworks of humanism and existentialism. Humanism highlights the individual’s potential for self-realization, growth, and the intrinsic value of each person, while existentialism concentrates on the human experience, encompassing the themes of freedom, isolation, mortality, and the search for purpose (Heidenreich et al., 2021). These approaches motivate individuals to investigate their lived experiences, feelings, and cognitions while grappling with the realities of existence.
The humanistic-existential therapist serves as a facilitator, assisting clients in comprehending their personal challenges and choices, while cultivating an environment of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. The focus is on the present moment, enabling clients to explore their emotions and behaviors without judgment. This approach is beneficial for individuals seeking to examine their identity, purpose, and self-determination.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a structured, goal-oriented approach that concentrates on identifying and modifying dysfunctional thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors. Grounded in the cognitive theories of Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, CBT proposes that cognitive distortions—irrational or negative thoughts—contribute to emotional distress and problematic behaviors (Crisp & Gabbard, 2022). Challenging maladaptive thoughts and substituting them with more balanced perspectives can facilitate emotional relief and enhance individual functionality. CBT is generally time-limited and entails a collaborative process between the therapist and the client. The therapist assists the client in identifying and modifying unhelpful thought patterns through techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, and exposure therapy (Crisp & Gabbard, 2022). Extensive research has demonstrated the efficacy of this intervention, particularly in the treatment of affective disorders, anxiety conditions, and specific phobias.Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Other Approaches Paper
Differences Between Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy and CBT
Difference #1: Focus on Meaning vs. Problem-Solving
A key distinction between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and CBT lies in their respective therapeutic focuses. Humanistic-existential therapy prioritizes assisting the individual in exploring existential questions and discovering personal meaning (Heidenreich et al., 2021). The therapist, in this approach, encourages the client to reflect deeply on their life experiences, personal autonomy, and accountability. In contrast, CBT is more problem-oriented and goal-directed as it aims to identify and address specific maladaptive thoughts and behaviors and develop practical interventions to modify them (Crisp & Gabbard, 2022). The focus of CBT is on resolving immediate issues rather than exploring deeper existential concerns.
As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, this distinction can inform the selection of therapeutic approaches tailored to the client’s needs. For a client exploring personal growth or contending with existential concerns such as grief or life transitions, humanistic-existential therapy may be more suitable. Conversely, for a client struggling with a specific mental health condition like depression or anxiety, CBT may offer more expedient and targeted symptom relief.
Difference #2: Role of the Therapist
Humanistic-existential psychotherapy adopts a non-directive approach, where the therapist serves more as a facilitator or guide. The therapeutic relationship is viewed as a crucial component of the healing process, with the therapist offering empathy and unconditional positive regard. Conversely, CBT practitioners take a more directive stance, providing the client with specific tools and strategies to employ (Abdekhodaie, 2021). As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, the choice between a directive or non-directive therapeutic approach can impact the clinical process. For patients who require structure, such as those experiencing panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder, the structured and directive nature of CBT may be more suitable. Conversely, for individuals who prioritize autonomy and self-expression, the non-directive humanistic-existential approach could prove more effective.
Difference #3: Time Orientation
Humanistic-existential psychotherapy emphasizes the present moment, encouraging clients to explore their current feelings and experiences. While it acknowledges past events, the primary focus is on how individuals interpret and find meaning in the present (Heidenreich et al., 2021). In contrast, CBT often examines past experiences to understand the development of cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors, aiming to break these patterns to improve future outcomes (Crisp & Gabbard, 2022). In clinical settings, this distinction implies that a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner may employ humanistic-existential therapy when a patient desire to focus on personal development and immediate experiences, while CBT may be more appropriate for patients needing to address past traumas or established thought and behavioral patterns.
Application of Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy: Case Analysis
In the video, the application of humanistic-existential psychotherapy aligns with the patient’s need for personal development, independence, and discovering purpose in life despite his difficulties. The patient struggles with feelings of isolation, unfulfillment, and existential anxiety, which are core concerns in existential therapy. For example, he expresses challenges in finding meaning and feels burdened by societal pressures, a central theme in existential crises. The challenges confronting the patient in this case are emblematic of wider societal mental health concerns, which have been amplified by the exceptional transformations catalyzed by COVID-19 and the fourth industrial revolution. These global phenomena have heightened existential anxieties and psychological anguish, underscoring the constraints of conventional medical frameworks in addressing intricate mental health problems. As Wong (2020) asserts in his exploration of Existential Positive Psychology (EPP) and Integrative Meaning Therapy (IMT), the future of psychotherapy requires a more comprehensive and holistic approach. This framework not only recognizes suffering as an integral part of the human experience but also emphasizes the potential for personal growth and thriving amidst adversity, a central aspect of the patient’s journey in this case study.
Humanistic-existential therapy aims to cultivate the patient’s self-awareness and ability to make genuine choices, addressing fundamental concerns of self-realization and liberty. By validating and contextualizing the patient’s anxieties about purpose and death, the therapist assists the client in regaining control over their life. Hoffman (2021) demonstrates the efficacy of this approach in assisting clients who are struggling with existential challenges, including those experiencing feelings of isolation, depression, suicidal ideation, or a quest for deeper purpose, during unprecedented circumstances such as the recently devastating COVID-19 pandemic. Studies also demonstrate that existential therapy enhances psychological well-being by assisting clients in reframing their understanding of life’s inherent challenges, including isolation and mortality.
Had CBT been utilized instead, the emphasis would have shifted to identifying and modifying the patient’s maladaptive thought patterns rather than exploring the deeper existential concerns underlying their distress. While CBT has demonstrated efficacy in managing symptoms, particularly in conditions such as anxiety and depression, it may not fully address the existential fears that were central to this patient’s psychological challenges. CBT could have potentially yielded a more rapid reduction in symptomatology but may have failed to address the core existential concerns, potentially leading to a more superficial enhancement in the patient’s overall well-being.
Why the Supporting Sources Are Considered Scholarly?
Scholarly articles are characterized by their rigorous research methodologies, peer review, and reputable publishing venues. The work by Abdekhodaie (2021) adheres to these standards through its peer-reviewed status, publication under Springer Nature, and the utilization of rigorous experimental designs such as repeated measures ANOVA. Centering on Existential Therapy, it investigates vital therapeutic processes that align with the existential considerations in the provided case study, rendering it a valuable and trustworthy resource for comprehending therapeutic approaches. The paper by Heidenreich et al. (2021) exhibits scholarly qualities, as it is authored by experts in the fields of existential therapy and CBT, presents empirical findings, and references prior research. Moreover, it has been published in a peer-reviewed journal, ensuring the credibility of its content and adherence to academic standards.
Hoffman (2021) offers a critical examination of how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected existential-humanistic therapy, drawing upon both theoretical principles and practical expertise from professional experience. The article is written by experts in the field of psychotherapy, cites empirical research and theories, and appears in a peer-reviewed journal, thus establishing its scholarly credibility. Finally, the article by Wong (2020) is regarded as scholarly due to its publication in a peer-reviewed journal and its presentation of a comprehensive, research-informed critique of prevailing mental health approaches, along with the proposal of an integrative framework for psychotherapy. The work draws upon well-established theories from clinical, existential, and positive psychology and provides a critical assessment of the impact of societal transformations on mental health, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and the fourth industrial revolution.
Conclusion
In summary, humanistic-existential psychotherapy and CBT exhibit notable differences in their orientation, therapeutic methods, and temporal focus. The humanistic-existential approach emphasizes personal development and the pursuit of meaning, whereas CBT is more directed toward problem resolution and cognitive modification. As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, comprehending the distinctions between therapeutic modalities is essential for selecting the most appropriate intervention for each individual client. In the presented case, the utilization of humanistic-existential therapy proved effective in addressing the client’s existential concerns, while CBT would have been more suitable for resolving specific cognitive and behavioral challenges. Both approaches offer distinctive strengths, and the selection of therapy should be tailored to align with the client’s unique needs and goals.
References
Abdekhodaie, Z. (2021). Cognitive-behavioral and existential therapies for marital satisfaction in women: A comparative investigation of the efficacy, stability and mechanisms of changes. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 51(2), 173–179. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-020-09488-y
Crisp, H., & Gabbard, G. O. (2022). Gabbard’s Textbook of Psychotherapeutic Treatments, second edition. American Psychiatric Pub. https://books.google.at/books?id=GDuVEAAAQBAJ
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
Hoffman, L. (2021). Existential–humanistic therapy and disaster response: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 61(1), 33–54. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022167820931987
Wong, P. T. P. (2020). Existential positive psychology and integrative meaning therapy. International Review of Psychiatry (Abingdon, England), 32(7–8), 565–578. https://doi.org/10.1080/09540261.2020.1814703
CLICK HERE TO ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER
Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Other Approaches
Understanding the strengths of each type of therapy and which type of therapy is most appropriate for each patient is an essential skill of the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. In this Assignment, you will compare humanistic-existential therapy to another psychotherapeutic approach. You will identify the strengths and challenges of each approach and describe expected potential outcomes.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
WEEKLY RESOURCES
To prepare:
- Review the humanistic-existential psychotherapy videos in this week’s Learning Resources.
- Reflect on humanistic-existential psychotherapeutic approaches.
- Then, select another psychotherapeutic approach to compare with humanistic-existential psychotherapy. The approach you choose may be one you previously explored in the course or one you are familiar with and especially interested in.
The Assignment
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.
Note: The School of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The Sample Paper provided at the Walden Writing Center provides an example of those required elements (available at http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templates ). All papers submitted must use this formatting.
By Day 7
Submit your Assignment.
submission information
Before submitting your final assignment, you can check your draft for authenticity. To check your draft, access the Turnitin Drafts from the Start Here area.
- To submit your completed assignment, save your Assignment as WK7Assgn_LastName_Firstinitial
- Then, click on Start Assignment near the top of the page.
- Next, click on Upload File and select Submit Assignment for review.
Rubric
NRNP_6645_Week7_Assignment_Rubric
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDevelop a 2- to 3-page paper comparing humanistic-existential therapy to another psychotherapeutic approach of your choice. Be sure to address the following: · Briefly describe humanistic-existential psychotherapy and the second approach you selected. | 25 to >22.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%The response includes an accurate and concise description of humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach.
22 to >19.0 ptsGood 80%–89%The response includes a description of humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach. 19 to >17.0 ptsFair 70%–79%The response includes a somewhat vague or inaccurate description of humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach. 17 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%The response includes a vague and inaccurate description of humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach, or is missing. |
25 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome· Explain at least three differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and the approach you selected. · Include how these differences might impact your practice as a PMHNP. | 25 to >22.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%The response includes an accurate and clear explanation of three differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach. The response includes a thoughtful and throrough explanation of how the differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach might impact your practice as a PMHNP.
22 to >19.0 ptsGood 80%–89%The response includes an accurate explanation of three differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach…. The response includes an explanation of how the differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach might impact your practice as a PMHNP. 19 to >17.0 ptsFair 70%–79%The response includes a somehwat vague or inaccurate explanation of three differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach…. The response includes a somewhat vague or inaccurate explanation of how the differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach might impact your practice as a PMHNP. 17 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%The response includes a vague and inaccurate explanation of three differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach, or is missing…. The response includes a vague and inaccurate explanation of how the differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach might impact your practice as a PMHNP, or is missing. |
25 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome· Explain why humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with the client 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 client. · Support your response with at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources from the literature. PDFs are attached. | 35 to >31.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%The response includes a thorough and accurate explanation of why humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with the client and why it was the treatment of choice. The response includes a thorough and accurate description of the expected potential outcome had the second approach been used with the client. The response is supported by at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources from the literature that provide strong support for the rationale provided. PDFs are attached.
31 to >27.0 ptsGood 80%–89%The response includes an accurate explanation of why humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with the client and why it was the treatment of choice…. The response includes a description of the expected potential outcome had the second approach been used with the client…. The response is supported by three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources from the literature that provide appropriate support for the rationale provided. PDFs are attached. 27 to >23.0 ptsFair 70%–79%The response includes a somewhat vague or incomplete explanation of why humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with the client and why it was the treatment of choice…. The response includes a somewhat vague or incomplete description of the expected potential outcome had the second approach been used with the client…. The response is supported by two or three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources from the literature. Resources selected may provide only weak support for the rationale provided. PDFs may not be attached. 23 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%The response includes a vague and inaccurate explanation of why humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with the client and why it was the treatment of choice, or is missing…. The response includes a vauge and incomplete description of the expected potential outcome had the second approach been used with the client, or is missing…. The response is supported by vague or inaccurate evidence from the literature, or is missing. |
35 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization: Paragraphs make clear points that support well-developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused—neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction is provided which delineates all required criteria. | 5 to >4.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion are provided that delineates all required criteria.
4 to >3.5 ptsGood 80%–89%Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time…. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are stated, yet are brief and not descriptive. 3.5 to >3.0 ptsFair 70%–79%Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%–79% of the time…. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are vague or off topic. 3 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time…. No purpose statement, introduction, or conclusion were provided. |
5 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation | 5 to >4.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.
4 to >3.5 ptsGood 80%–89%Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time…. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are stated, yet are brief and not descriptive. 3.5 to >3.0 ptsFair 70%–79%Contains 3 or 4 grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 3 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding. |
5 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list. | 5 to >4.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%Uses correct APA format with no errors.
4 to >3.5 ptsGood 80%–89%Contains 1 or 2 APA format errors. 3.5 to >3.0 ptsFair 70%–79%Contains 3 or 4 APA format errors. 3 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors. |
5 pts |
Total Points: 100