Week 2: Humanistic And Existential Theories Introduction

Week 2 Humanisticexistential Theoriesintroductionconsider Your Thoug

Week 2: Humanistic/Existential Theories Introduction Consider your thoughts about the following statements: · People are generally good, trustworthy, productive, and able to make positive changes. · The responsibility for change and growth lies with the client. · We should focus on the "here and now," not so much on the "then and there." These statements reflect humanistic and existential theories developed by theorists such as Carl Rogers, Rollo May, Victor Frankl, and Fritz Perlz. This week, you explore the key components of humanistic and existential theories. You are also introduced to Deidre, a client depicted in media throughout several weeks of this course. Each week that Deidre’s case is presented, you will use theories to propose effective interventions that could help her to reach her goals. Objectives Students will: Apply humanistic/existential interventions · Evaluate humanistic/existential theories · Apply concepts related to humanistic/existential theories Please proceed to the Resources. Week 2 Discussion Applying Humanistic and Existential Theories A common element of this week’s theories is the focus on client emotion. The central tenet of these theories is that clients are at the center of the counseling process. When counselors use these approaches, they ask clients to not only assess their emotions, but also how they perceive these emotions to influence their lives. During this process, counselors who often use humanistic and existential approaches partner alongside the client as a nonjudgmental ally, prompting the clients to reconnect with themselves and increase their own self-awareness. Theorists in these paradigms believe that it is not the interpretation of the counselor that helps clients, but rather the interpretation of the clients themselves. In fact, prominent humanistic and existential theorists cast aside the dominant, all-knowing presence of the counselor illustrated by some behavioral and psychoanalytic approaches. In this Discussion, you consider how each of this week’s theories, existential, person-centered, and Gestalt, provides a different counseling approach. You also reflect upon how theoretical approaches influence the interventions that you might employ with your case study client, Deidre. Before watching the Deidre media, review this week’s Learning Resources to review how the Capuzzi and Gross text used each theoretical approach with the client in “The Case of Maria.†Posting Directions: In the subject line of your post, use the following title format: “Title of Discussion: The theory you selected for this Discussion.†Your initial post must be at least 200 words in length. Post by Day 3 a brief description of the humanistic or existential theory you selected. Then, based on this theoretical approach, describe two interventions you could employ with Deidre and explain why. Finally, explain how each of these interventions would help Deidre move toward her goals. DUE BY 12/9/15 @ 5PM Eastern Standard Time Week 2 Learning Resources This page contains the Learning Resources for this week. Be sure to scroll down the page to see all of this week's assigned Learning Resources. Required Resources Readings · Capuzzi, D., & Gross, D. R. (Ed.). (2011). Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions (5th ed.). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association. o Chapter 6, “Existential Theory†(pp. 119–142) o Chapter 7, “Person-Centered Theory†(pp. 143–166) o Chapter 8, “Gestalt Theory†(pp. 167–191) Media · Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012). Deidre [Multimedia]. Baltimore, MD: Author. Note : Please click on the following link for the transcript: Transcript (PDF) Optional Resources · Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapy. (2012). Retrieved from · Association for the Development of the Person Centered Approach. (2011). Retrieved from · Association for Humanistic Psychology. (2012). Retrieved from · Existential-Humanistic Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved from · World Association for Person Centered and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counseling. (2012). Retrieved from Please proceed to the Discussion.

Paper For Above instruction

The humanistic-existential theoretical approach emphasizes the core belief in human potential, self-awareness, personal responsibility, and the importance of living authentically in the present moment. For this discussion, I have chosen the Person-Centered Theory developed by Carl Rogers. This approach posits that clients possess an innate capacity for self-growth and self-healing when provided with a supportive and nonjudgmental therapeutic environment. Central to this theory are the concepts of unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence, which facilitate the client's self-exploration and self-acceptance. This perspective views the client as the expert on their life, with the therapist acting as a facilitator who offers genuine understanding and acceptance rather than interpretations or directives.

In applying Person-Centered Therapy to Deidre’s case, two interventions stand out as particularly effective. First, providing unconditional positive regard can help Deidre feel safe and valued, encouraging her to explore her feelings without fear of judgment. This intervention fosters trust and self-acceptance, enabling her to express her authentic self more fully. Second, active listening with empathy can help Deidre articulate her experiences and gain clarity about her emotions and behaviors. By reflecting back her feelings and perceptions, I could help her become more aware of her internal processes and how these influence her current struggles.

These interventions would support Deidre in moving toward her goals by creating a therapeutic space where she feels genuinely understood and accepted. Unconditional positive regard would nurture her self-esteem and help her develop a more compassionate view of herself. Meanwhile, empathetic listening would enhance her self-awareness, empowering her to identify distortions or barriers to her growth. Through consistent application of these principles, Deidre can develop a stronger sense of congruence—aligning her self-perception with her lived experiences—and foster a greater capacity for self-directed change, ultimately advancing her journey toward personal growth and fulfillment.

References

• Capuzzi, D., & Gross, D. R. (2011). Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions (5th ed.). American Counseling Association.
• Rogers, C. (1951). Client-centered therapy. Houghton Mifflin.
• Cain, D. J. (2010). Person-centered counseling: An experiential approach. Sage Publications.
• Spearman, R. (2017). The essence of humanistic psychotherapy. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 57(3), 265-282.
• Cooper, M. (2008). Essential research findings in counselling and psychotherapy: The facts are friendly. SAGE Publications.
• Dryden, W., & Feltham, C. (2014). Experiential approaches to counselling & psychotherapy: Practical approaches for working with clients. SAGE Publications.
• Schneider, K. J., & Cornish, J. (2018). The therapeutic relationship: Evidence and theory. Routledge.
• Greenberg, L. S. (2010). Emotion-focused therapy: Coaching clients to manage emotion. The Guilford Press.
• Rollo May (1981). Existence: A philosophical foundation of humanism. Journal of Humanistic Psychology.
• Yalom, I. D. (1980). Existential psychotherapy. Basic Books.