# Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
## Introduction
Understanding various psychotherapeutic approaches is crucial for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) as they tailor treatments to individual patient needs. This paper compares humanistic-existential psychotherapy with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It will outline the characteristics of both therapies, discuss their differences, and analyze a specific case where humanistic-existential therapy was utilized.
## Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy
Humanistic-existential psychotherapy emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the individual’s subjective experience. It posits that individuals have the innate capacity for self-healing and focuses on understanding the person as a whole. Key figures include Carl Rogers and Viktor Frankl, who stressed the importance of empathy, authenticity, and meaning in life (Wheeler, 2020).
## Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT, developed by Aaron Beck, is a structured, time-limited approach that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is based on the cognitive model, which asserts that our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interconnected. CBT emphasizes problem-solving and aims for measurable outcomes in a relatively short timeframe (Gehart, 2024).
## Differences Between Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy and CBT
1. **Focus on Self vs. Structure**:
– **Humanistic-Existential**: Emphasizes the individual’s subjective experience and personal growth. It promotes self-exploration and emotional awareness.
– **CBT**: Focuses on cognitive restructuring and behavioral change. It is structured and goal-oriented, often using worksheets and exercises to guide patients.
2. **Therapeutic Relationship**:
– **Humanistic-Existential**: The therapeutic relationship is central, with the therapist providing a non-judgmental and empathetic environment that fosters trust.
– **CBT**: While the therapeutic alliance is important, the emphasis is more on the techniques used to change thought patterns than on the relationship itself.
3. **Duration and Outcomes**:
– **Humanistic-Existential**: Often longer-term, focusing on deep emotional work and personal insights, with less emphasis on measurable outcomes.
– **CBT**: Typically shorter in duration, with a focus on specific goals and measurable improvements in symptoms.
These differences impact PMHNP practice significantly. A PMHNP trained in humanistic-existential therapy may prioritize creating a safe space for emotional exploration, while one skilled in CBT may employ structured interventions to address specific issues, thereby affecting treatment planning and patient engagement strategies.
## Case Analysis
In the video viewed this week, humanistic-existential psychotherapy was chosen for a patient dealing with profound existential angst and feelings of isolation. The therapist utilized techniques that fostered a supportive environment, allowing the patient to explore their feelings deeply. This approach was particularly suitable because it validated the patient’s experiences and helped them find personal meaning.
If CBT had been employed, the focus would have shifted to identifying and challenging the patient’s negative thought patterns. While this could lead to symptom relief, it might not address the underlying existential concerns, potentially leaving the patient feeling unheard and unsupported. The expected outcome with CBT might have been reduced anxiety symptoms but would likely not have led to the same depth of personal insight or growth.
## Conclusion
Both humanistic-existential psychotherapy and CBT have unique strengths and challenges. While humanistic-existential therapy fosters deep personal exploration and emotional growth, CBT offers structured techniques for symptom management. Understanding these differences allows PMHNPs to choose the most appropriate therapeutic approach based on individual patient needs, ultimately enhancing the quality of care provided.
References
– American Psychiatric Association. (2022). *Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders* (5th ed., text rev.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
– Gehart, D. R. (2024). *Mastering competencies in family therapy: A practical approach to theories and clinical case documentation* (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
– Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2020). *Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice* (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing.
COMPARING HUMANISTIC-EXISTENTIAL PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH OTHER APPROACHES
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.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity. Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
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.
Note: The School of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The Sample Paper provided at the Walden Writing Center provides an example of those required elements (available at http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templates ). All papers submitted must use this formatting.
LEARNING RESOURCES
· American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders Links to an external site. (5th ed., text rev.). https://go.openathens.net/redirector/waldenu.edu?url=https://dsm.psychiatryonline.org/doi/book/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425787
· “Culture and Psychiatric Diagnosis”
· Gehart, D. R. (2024). Mastering competencies in family therapy: A practical approach to theories and clinical case documentation (4th ed.). Cengage Learning.
· Chapter 8, “Experiential Family Therapies”
· Wheeler, K. (Ed.). (2020). Psychotherapy for the advanced practice psychiatric nurse: A how-to guide for evidence-based practice (3rd ed.). Springer Publishing.
· Chapter 6, “Humanistic-Existential and Solution-Focused Approaches to Psychotherapy”
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