Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Brief Description of Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy

Humanistic-existential psychotherapy is a broad approach to therapy that focuses on the individual’s potential for growth and self-actualization. It is based on the belief that all people have the innate capacity to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Humanistic-existential therapists believe that it is important to create a safe and supportive environment for their clients. They also believe in the importance of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness.

In humanistic-existential therapy, clients are encouraged to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences in order to better understand themselves. They are also helped to identify and challenge their limiting beliefs and assumptions.

The goal of humanistic-existential therapy is to help clients become more self-aware and self-accepting. It is also to help them develop their unique potential and live more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Brief Description of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a type of therapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is based on the belief that our thoughts and beliefs influence our emotions and behaviors.

CBT therapists believe that it is important to identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs. They also believe in the importance of developing more helpful and realistic ways of thinking.

In CBT, clients are taught skills to help them identify and challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs. They are also taught skills to help them develop more helpful and realistic ways of thinking.

The goal of CBT is to help clients reduce their emotional distress and improve their functioning in everyday life.

Differences between Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy and CBT

Here are three key differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and CBT:

Focus

Humanistic-existential psychotherapy focuses on the individual’s potential for growth and self-actualization. CBT focuses on the relationship between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.

Goals

The goal of humanistic-existential therapy is to help clients become more self-aware and self-accepting, and to develop their unique potential and live more meaningful and fulfilling lives. The goal of CBT is to help clients reduce their emotional distress and improve their functioning in everyday life.

Techniques

Humanistic-existential therapists use a variety of techniques, such as active listening, reflection, and clarification. CBT therapists use a variety of techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and exposure therapy.

Impact on Practice as a PMHNP

As a PMHNP, it is important to be familiar with both humanistic-existential psychotherapy and CBT. This will allow you to choose the best approach for each individual client.

For example, a client who is struggling with anxiety may benefit from CBT. A client who is struggling with depression may benefit from humanistic-existential psychotherapy.

It is also important to note that these two approaches are not mutually exclusive. Many therapists use a combination of humanistic-existential psychotherapy and CBT in their practice.

Video Analysis

In the video “Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapeutic Approaches,” the therapist uses a humanistic-existential approach to treat the client.

The therapist creates a safe and supportive environment for the client. They also use empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness.

The therapist encourages the client to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. They also help the client to identify and challenge their limiting beliefs and assumptions.

The goal of the therapy is to help the client become more self-aware and self-accepting. It is also to help the client develop their unique potential and live a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Expected Potential Outcome if CBT Had Been Used

If CBT had been used with the client in the video, the therapist would have focused on the client’s negative thoughts and beliefs. They would have helped the client to identify and challenge these thoughts and beliefs.

The therapist would have also taught the client skills to help them develop more helpful and realistic ways of thinking.

The goal of CBT in this case would have been to help the client reduce their emotional distress and improve their functioning in everyday life.