Comparing Humanistic Existential Psychotherapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Essay Paper

Comparing Humanistic Existential Psychotherapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Essay Paper

Comparing Humanistic Existential Psychotherapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Essay Paper

Several therapeutic models are available for practitioners to use in working with clients. These models provide a framework for assessment and intervention approaches. The choice of a model to use with a particular patient depends on the practitioner’s experience and knowledge, the client’s presenting issues, and best practice evidence supporting the effectiveness of the theory. The common theories used in social work include humanistic, existential, behavioral, psychodynamic, cognitive, and integrative approaches. Clients present with simple to complex issues, but regardless of the extent of the problem, each situation is unique requiring careful selection of a model that would give optimal effectiveness. In some cases, a combination of two modalities may promise better therapeutic outcomes compared to using a single theory. Humanistic- and existential approaches are often combined and treated as one modality. Humanistic modality argues for individuals’ desire to be the best version of themselves while the existential approach concerns humans’ search for the meaning of life. The purpose of this paper is to explore the humanistic-existential therapy and compare it to CBT.

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Humanistic-Existential Therapies

The connection between existential modality and humanistic modality is the focus on the purpose within life, as well as the meaning of life. They operate on the principles of individual choice and self-awareness that motivate actions and ultimately behavior (Robbins, 2021). For example, humanistic theories focus on encouraging self-awareness based on the premise that increased understanding of a person’s strengths and weaknesses enhances resilience and coping mechanisms. Self-exploration allows clients to understand their problems and work through a solution. The core focus of the humanistic theory is growth and self-actualization rather than the presenting pathology. Humans tend to choices that promote healthy relationships, which is the point that humanistic therapists use to empower change in people.

Similarly, existential therapy also uses the personal strengths and uniqueness of a person to explore the meaning of life. The approach like humanistic therapy encourages individuals to self-evaluate, identify obstacles in their lives, and make rational choices. Existential therapy guides patients to understand their lives and the meaning of existence, for example, a client diagnosed with a terminal illness may find it hard to accept their situation of imminent death. Using existential and humanistic theory will enable individuals to explore their purpose in life and the meaning of existence, and find comfort in their challenging situations (Heidenreich et al., 2021). The existential theory also guides individuals to answer some disturbing questions regarding life, nature, and death that cannot be answered by science.

Cognitive-behavioral Therapy

CBT is a popular approach in psychotherapy based on understanding the connection between, thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behavior. CBT evaluates unconscious thoughts that automatically surface when faced with a challenging situation or anxiety (Margarita, 2022). These unconscious thoughts are unpremeditated and influence emotions, which manifest physically as behavior. The thoughts are influenced by underlying beliefs shaped by a person’s life experiences. In cases of cognitive distortion, the unconscious thoughts are often negative leading to problematic behavioral outcomes (Margarita, 2022). Hence, CBT focuses on helping an individual to train their thoughts through skills and coping abilities to attain positive thought patterns. Positive thought patterns produce positive emotions and behaviors.

Differences between Humanistic-Existential and CBT

The first difference between humanistic-existential is that CBT evaluates a person’s past experiences that influence their thoughts and beliefs while humanistic-existential theories are concerned with the present and future rather than the patient’s past. CBT expresses how past experiences are maintained throughout a person’s life, continuing to influence their thoughts and behavior. This might impact my practice because of the need to apply different assessment approaches when using CBT and humanistic-existential therapies. The second difference is that humanistic-existential theories explore a sense of belonging and meaning of life that informs a person’s identity, while CBT focuses on thought patterns and behaviors (Miyassarova, 2020). In this case, the implications for my practice are the importance of understanding the elements of a patient’s case because some presenting issues such as dealing with life’s issues can benefit more from humanistic-existential than CBT. The third difference is that humanistic-existential therapies are based on the capacity and self-awareness of an individual that confronts their life issues, leading to acceptance, growth, and self-actualization. On the other hand, CBT is more concerned with the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors of an individual. This would impact my engagement with the client because self-actualization only requires giving the client direction and letting them explore their issues through self-exploration, while CBT requires more involvement of the therapist in the process.

Example from the Video

In the video, the client, Joe complaints about not feeling alive. Joe has past contact with the system for psychotherapy for anger issues. Currently, he complains of feeling trapped and not understanding where he is in his life (Bungetal, 2008). The client needs to develop a sense of purpose in life and the best approach to use is humanistic-existential therapy (Miyassarova, 2020). The therapy will take the client through a journey of self-exploration to evaluate their strengths, weaknesses, and capacities that they can use to improve their lives through better choices. Ultimately, the therapy approach empowers the client to find meaning in life, grow, and attain self-actualization. If CBT were used, the potential outcome would have been the client learning to manage their thoughts and acquiring skills and coping abilities to deal with life’s challenges.

Conclusion

CBT and humanistic-existential therapies are both used in psychotherapy to work with individuals presenting with various issues. The main difference between CBT and humanistic-existential therapies is that the former is based on an understanding of past experiences and their influence on cognition and unconscious thoughts leading to emotions and behavior while the latter concerns present and future using self-awareness and exploration. The arguments for the modalities are supported by scholarly sources. Heidenreich et al. (2021) are scholarly because it is written by experts and summarises current knowledge on existential and CBT therapies. The source, Margarita (2022) is scholarly because it provides expert analysis of theories, concepts, and insights of CBT useful for nurse practitioners. Miyassarova (2020) is scholarly because it is written by an expert and presents research evidence and other important knowledge on existential therapy. Robbins (2021) is a credible source that uses research to inform the concepts in psychotherapy.

References

Bungetal, J. (2008). Existential-humanistic therapy (Video). https://walden.kanopy.com/video/existential-humanistic therapy

Heidenreich, T., Noyon, A., & Worrell, M. (2021). Existential Approaches and Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Challenges and Potential. J Cogn Ther, 14, 209–234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41811-020-00096-1.

Margarita, E. (2022). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy: A Strategy to Address PandemicInduced Anxiety Induced Anxiety. The Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 18, 36e39.

Miyassarova, L. R. (2020). Dynamics of Existential Personality Fulfillment in the Course of Psychotherapy. Behavioral Sciences, 10(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.3390/bs10010021.

Robbins, B. (2021). The Joyful Life: An Existential-Humanistic Approach to Positive Psychology in the Time of a Pandemic. Front Psychol. 2021 Jul 22;12:648600. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648600. Front Psychol, 12:648600. https://doi.10.3389/fpsyg.2021.648600.

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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.

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.

NRNP_6645_Week7_Assignment_Rubric
Develop 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.
23 (23%) – 25 (25%). The response includes an accurate and concise description of humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach.
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.
23 (23%) – 25 (25%) 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 thorough explanation of how the differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach might impact your practice as a PMHNP.
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.
32 (32%) – 35 (35%). 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.
Written 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 (5%) – 5 (5%). 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.
Written Expression and Formatting – English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation
5 (5%) – 5 (5%). Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.
Written 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 (5%) – 5 (5%). Uses correct APA format with no errors.