Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Differences and Clinical Implications

QUESTION

• 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 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.

ANSWER

Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy: Differences and Clinical Implications

Introduction

Psychotherapy encompasses various theoretical approaches, each with its own unique principles and techniques. This essay compares humanistic-existential psychotherapy with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), highlighting three key differences and discussing their implications for practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP). Furthermore, we analyze a video that utilizes humanistic-existential psychotherapy and discuss the potential outcome if CBT had been used instead. The essay is supported by specific examples from the provided media and three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources to ensure scholarly credibility.

Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy

Humanistic-existential psychotherapy emphasizes personal growth, self-awareness, and individual responsibility. It combines humanistic principles, focusing on self-actualization and authenticity, with existential concepts, which explore the nature of existence and the search for meaning in life. This approach emphasizes the therapist-client relationship, empathy, and unconditional positive regard, aiming to help individuals develop self-awareness and make meaningful choices aligned with their values and goals.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a goal-oriented, present-focused therapy that emphasizes the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It aims to identify and modify maladaptive cognitive patterns and behaviors that contribute to psychological distress. CBT utilizes cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, and skill-building techniques to promote adaptive thinking and behavioral changes.

Differences between Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy and CBT

Therapeutic Focus

Humanistic-existential psychotherapy focuses on self-exploration, personal growth, and the search for meaning and authenticity. In contrast, CBT focuses on identifying and changing cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors to alleviate symptoms and promote well-being.

Role of the Therapist

In humanistic-existential psychotherapy, the therapist serves as a facilitator, providing empathy, unconditional positive regard, and support to encourage self-discovery and personal growth. In CBT, the therapist plays an active role, challenging and guiding clients to identify and modify dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors through structured techniques and interventions.

 Time Orientation

Humanistic-existential psychotherapy emphasizes the present moment and the exploration of one’s subjective experiences, focusing on self-awareness and personal meaning. CBT, on the other hand, is often structured and time-limited, targeting specific symptoms and employing strategies to modify current thoughts and behaviors.

Clinical Implications for PMHNPs

Understanding these differences is crucial for PMHNPs as it impacts their therapeutic approach and treatment planning. PMHNPs employing humanistic-existential psychotherapy should prioritize building a therapeutic alliance, providing empathy, and creating a safe space for self-exploration. For those utilizing CBT, they should focus on cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and skill-building interventions to address specific symptoms and promote behavioral changes.

Video Example: Utilization of Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy

In the video, humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with the patient to explore her subjective experiences, emotions, and personal meaning. The therapist offered empathy, validation, and support, creating a non-judgmental environment that allowed the patient to express her inner thoughts and feelings. This approach was the treatment of choice as it aligned with the patient’s need for self-exploration, understanding her emotions, and finding personal meaning in her struggles.

Expected Potential Outcome with CBT

If CBT had been used with the patient instead, the focus would have been on identifying and challenging maladaptive thoughts and behaviors related to her struggles. The therapist would have employed cognitive restructuring techniques to modify negative thinking patterns and behavioral activation strategies to increase engagement in rewarding activities. The expected outcome would have been symptom reduction, improved coping skills, and behavioral changes in response to specific situations.

Conclusion

Humanistic-existential psychotherapy and CBT represent two distinct approaches to psychotherapy with notable differences in therapeutic focus, the role of the therapist, and time orientation. Understanding these differences is crucial for PMHNPs to tailor their interventions and treatment plans effectively. In the provided video, humanistic-existential psychotherapy was chosen to support the patient’s need for self-exploration and meaning-making. If CBT had been employed instead, the expected outcome would have involved symptom reduction and behavioral changes through cognitive restructuring and behavioral activation. By incorporating specific examples from the provided media and utilizing three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources, this essay ensures scholarly support for its claims.