Briefly describe humanistic-existential psychotherapy and the second approach you selected
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
This Week’s media
Grande, T. (2019, January 9). Theories of counseling – Existential therapy [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YvAvc2aWup0
(2009, June 29). James Bugental live case consultation psychotherapy video [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zl8tVTjdocI
(2010, September 20). James Bugental: Humanistic psychotherapy (excerpt) – A thinking allowed DVD w/ Jeffrey Mishlove [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjDNKGIvWPQ
Humanistic-existential psychotherapy is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on the individual’s subjective experiences and personal growth. This approach emphasizes the uniqueness of each person and their potential for self-actualization. The therapist works to create a non-judgmental, empathetic environment in which the patient can explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors. This approach is based on the belief that people have the innate ability to grow and change and that they are responsible for their own lives.
The second approach I have selected to compare with humanistic-existential psychotherapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. The therapist works with the patient to identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior. This approach is based on the belief that negative thoughts and behaviors can lead to emotional distress and that changing these patterns can lead to improved mental health.
Three differences between these therapies include:
Focus: Humanistic-existential therapy focuses on the individual’s subjective experiences and personal growth, while CBT focuses on changing negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
Goals: Humanistic-existential therapy aims to help the patient explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, while CBT aims to change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
Therapist’s role: In humanistic-existential therapy, the therapist acts as a facilitator, creating a non-judgmental, empathetic environment, while in CBT, the therapist is more directive, working with the patient to identify and change negative patterns of thinking and behavior.
As a PMHNP, understanding these differences would be important when determining which therapy would be most appropriate for a patient. For example, if a patient is struggling with negative thoughts and behaviors, CBT would be more appropriate, while if a patient is looking to explore their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, humanistic-existential therapy would be more appropriate.
In the video “James Bugental live case consultation psychotherapy video,” humanistic-existential therapy was utilized with the patient because he was struggling with feelings of meaninglessness and hopelessness. The therapist helped the patient explore these feelings and work towards finding meaning and purpose in his life. The expected potential outcome if CBT had been used with the patient would have been to change negative patterns of thinking and behavior, but it may not have addressed the patient’s underlying feelings of meaninglessness and hopelessness.
