ANSWER
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) versus humanistic-existential psychotherapy
Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy
Humanistic-existential psychotherapy emphasizes a person’s self-discovery, self-awareness, and personal accountability by fusing existential and humanistic ideas. This method acknowledges the existential difficulties of anxiety, meaning, and loneliness while highlighting the significance of human freedom, choice, and responsibility. By emphasizing their subjective experiences, the treatment seeks to enable clients to live real lives and assist them in discovering their own sense of meaning and purpose in life. Open-ended questions, active listening, and cultivating a compassionate, nonjudgmental therapeutic alliance are common strategies (Bugental, 2009). Clients who are going through existential crises, identity problems, or are looking for purpose in their lives will find this method especially helpful.
CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented, systematic psychotherapy that focuses on recognizing and altering harmful thought and behavior patterns. Its foundation is the cognitive model of emotional reaction, which holds that people’s feelings and actions are influenced by their perceptions of circumstances. Through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), therapists assist their clients in identifying faulty thought patterns, disputing unfavorable assumptions, and substituting them with more sensible or flexible thought patterns. Methods including exposure therapy, behavior modification, and cognitive restructuring are commonly employed (Beck, 2011). CBT is frequently used to treat PTSD, anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
Three Main Distinctions Between Cognitive Restructuring and Present-Focused Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy
Humanistic-Existential: This type of therapy places a strong emphasis on the client’s subjective experiences, personal development, and the present. Instead of changing cognitive distortions, the goal is to investigate the client’s autonomy, sense of purpose, and accountability (Bugental, 2009). Its goal is to assist the client in discovering purpose in their present existence.
CBT: On the other hand, CBT is more methodical and focused on the future. In order to modify behavior and enhance emotional health, it focuses on recognizing and modifying cognitive distortions (Beck, 2011). The treatment focuses on particular thought patterns that lead to mental health problems, frequently using useful strategies like behavioral interventions and cognitive restructuring.
Effect on the Practice of PMHNP: Knowing the distinction in focus helps help Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) make informed treatment decisions. CBT may be the better option for clients with certain mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, or PTSD, whereas humanistic-existential therapy may be beneficial for those who are seeking personal development or are dealing with existential concerns.
Relationship for Therapy
Humanistic-Existential: Authenticity, empathy, and unconditional positive regard are hallmarks of the therapeutic alliance in humanistic-existential psychotherapy. In order for the client to openly explore their thoughts and experiences, the therapist aims to establish a nonjudgmental environment (Bugental, 2009).
CBT: Although the therapeutic alliance plays a significant role, the main goal of CBT is to teach clients how to alter their thought and behavior patterns through planned sessions. When directing the client toward workable solutions, the therapist typically adopts a more directive approach (Beck, 2011).
Effect on the Practice of PMHNP: When discussing existential issues, life meaning, or identity with clients, a PMHNP may find that a humanistic-existential approach fosters a more sympathetic and nonjudgmental relationship. However, CBT might work better for people who require precise, methodical treatments aimed at reducing symptoms and altering behavior.
Philosophical Foundation
Existential philosophy, which emphasizes the human predicament, the search for meaning, and the certainty of death, is the philosophical foundation of the humanistic-existential approach. It pushes customers to face existential issues and accept accountability for their life decisions (Bugental, 2009).
Cognitive theory, on which CBT is based, highlights how emotional pain and bad behavior are caused by unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. It believes that altering behavior and reorganizing thought processes can bring about transformation (Beck, 2011).
Effect on the Practice of PMHNP: Humanistic-existential therapy may provide insightful information to individuals who are grappling with existential problems or who are having difficulty defining their identity or purpose in life. CBT, on the other hand, might be better suited for treating maladaptive thinking and bringing about quick behavioral changes, particularly in the treatment of problems linked to trauma, anxiety, or depression.
Humanistic-Existential Therapy is used in the video.
In the video, a patient who is struggling with identity issues and anxiety is treated with humanistic-existential therapy. In order to assist the patient in exploring their feelings and existential problems, the therapist has an open and sympathetic dialogue with them. The method was selected because the patient’s problems appeared to be related to their quest for authenticity in their lives and a lack of personal purpose.
Through the use of humanistic-existential psychotherapy, the patient is intended to become more self-aware, investigate their own ideals, and progress toward self-actualization. This method promotes personal development and understanding by giving the patient a safe, accepting environment in which to face their worries and fears.
By addressing negative thought patterns and creating coping mechanisms to lessen worry, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) would have probably been utilized to manage the patient’s anxiety. This might not have, however, addressed the patient’s quest for purpose and personal fulfillment or the underlying existential issues. Instead of examining underlying problems with personal identity, cognitive behavioral therapy would concentrate more on symptom relief and workable solutions.
In conclusion
In summary, CBT and humanistic-existential psychotherapy are two separate therapeutic modalities that offer special advantages for treating various patient issues. Knowing how these therapies differ enables a PMHNP to make more individualized therapy decisions based on the needs of the patient. While CBT is excellent at treating mental health illnesses through structured interventions centered on cognition and behavior, humanistic-existential therapy is especially helpful for those dealing with existential crises and personal growth.
Citations
A. T. Beck (2011). Cognitive therapy: Fundamentals and more. The Guilford Press.
J. F. T. Bugental (2009). The psychotherapist’s art. Norton & Company, W.W.
M. Oliver (2010). Theories and applications of existential and humanistic psychotherapy. Humanistic Psychology Journal, 50(4), 453–478. 10.1177/0022167810374097 https=
QUESTION
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.
- 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.