Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy With Another

Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Another Approach

Comparing humanistic-existential psychotherapy with another psychotherapeutic approach is essential to understanding the strengths, challenges, and applications of different treatment modalities in psychiatric practice. This paper provides an overview of humanistic-existential psychotherapy and a selected contrasting approach, explores key differences, and discusses their potential impact on psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) practice. Additionally, it examines the rationale for using humanistic-existential therapy in a specific case and hypothesizes potential outcomes if the alternative approach had been employed.

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

Psychotherapeutic modalities encompass a wide array of theories and techniques designed to facilitate psychological healing, growth, and change. Among these, humanistic-existential psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are two prominent approaches that differ significantly in philosophy, methods, and applicability. This paper compares these approaches, highlighting their core features, differences, and implications for practice as a PMHNP.

Overview of Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy

Humanistic-existential psychotherapy emphasizes the individual's subjective experience, personal growth, and the pursuit of meaning and authenticity. Rooted in existential philosophy and humanistic psychology, this approach posits that individuals have an innate capacity for self-awareness, free will, and responsibility (Bugental, 2008). Therapeutic focus is on fostering a supportive environment where clients explore their values, confront existential concerns like mortality and freedom, and develop authentic self-identity (Wheeler, 2020). The therapist acts as a facilitator, encouraging clients to realize their potential and live more meaningful lives.

Overview of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), in contrast, is a structured, goal-oriented approach focusing on identifying and modifying maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors (Beck, 2011). CBT operates on the premise that thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected, and change in one domain can lead to improvements in others. The therapist collaborates with clients to develop skills, challenge cognitive distortions, and implement behavioral strategies to alleviate symptoms of mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety (Hofmann, Asnaani, Vonk, Sawyer, & Fang, 2012).

Differences Between Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy and CBT

  1. Philosophical Foundation: Humanistic-existential therapy centers on subjective experience, personal meaning, and authenticity, emphasizing a holistic view of the individual. Conversely, CBT is rooted in empirical science, emphasizing measurable change through skill acquisition and cognitive restructuring.
  2. Therapeutic Techniques: Humanistic-existential therapy employs open-ended discussions, exploring existential themes and fostering self-awareness without prescriptive exercises. CBT utilizes structured homework assignments, thought records, and behavioral experiments to achieve symptom reduction (Wheeler, 2020).
  3. Goals and Outcomes: The primary goal of humanistic-existential therapy is personal growth, self-actualization, and meaning-making. In contrast, CBT aims for symptom alleviation and functional improvement within specific timeframes, often through symptom-focused strategies (Dave et al., 2018).

As a PMHNP, understanding these differences influences clinical decision-making. For example, patients seeking existential exploration and self-discovery may benefit more from humanistic-existential therapy, while those with clearly defined cognitive distortions and behavioral issues may respond best to CBT. Tailoring therapy to individual needs enhances engagement and outcomes.

Application of Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy in a Case Scenario

In a video vignette viewed this week, a client was experiencing significant existential distress related to meaning and purpose following a life-changing event. Humanistic-existential psychotherapy was adopted to facilitate authentic exploration of the client’s feelings, values, and fears. The therapist’s non-judgmental presence and active listening created a safe space, allowing the client to confront mortality concerns and reconnect with personal values. This approach was suitable because it prioritized the client’s subjective experience and aimed to foster genuine self-awareness and acceptance (Grande, 2019).

Potential Outcomes of Using CBT in Place of Humanistic-Existential Therapy

If the therapist had employed CBT instead, outcomes might have included symptom reduction related to anxiety and depressive symptoms but perhaps at the expense of deeper existential insights. CBT could have helped the client challenge negative thought patterns related to meaninglessness, develop coping skills, and establish behavioral routines. However, it might not have sufficiently addressed the client’s feelings of existential despair, potentially leading to a less holistic resolution (Hofmann et al., 2019). The person's sense of purpose and authentic self may have remained underexplored, possibly affecting long-term well-being.

Conclusion

In summary, humanistic-existential psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy offer distinct paradigms for treatment, each with unique strengths and limitations. Humanistic-existential therapy excels in fostering self-awareness and meaning, suitable for clients facing existential crises. Conversely, CBT provides structured symptom relief through cognitive and behavioral modifications. For PMHNPs, understanding these differences is crucial to selecting the most appropriate intervention tailored to each patient's needs, thus enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Recognizing the context and individual preferences guides more personalized mental health care and promotes optimal outcomes.

References

  • Beck, J. S. (2011). Cognitive behavior therapy: Basics and beyond. Guilford Publications.
  • Bugental, J. (2008). Existential-humanistic psychotherapy [Video].
  • Dave, J. K., Kloda, L. A., & McKinnon, A. (2018). Treatments for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (5). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003331.pub4
  • Grande, T. (2019, January 9). Theories of counseling – Existential therapy [Video]. ThinkingallowedTV.
  • Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Vonk, I. J., Sawyer, A. T., & Fang, A. (2012). The efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Cognitive Therapy and Research, 36(5), 427-440. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-012-9476-1
  • Hofmann, S. G., Asnaani, A., Wu, S. W., & Suh, J. J. (2019). Cognitive-behavioral therapy: Award-winning evidence-based treatment. In J. C. Norcross (Ed.), Psychotherapy relationships that work (pp. 315–329). Oxford University Press.
  • Wheeler, K. (2020). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing.
  • American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.).

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