Question: NRNP 6645 Assign 7: COMPARING HUMANISTIC-EXISTENTIAL PSYCHOTHERAPY WITH OTHER APPROACHES

A Comparison of Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Understanding different psychotherapeutic approaches is essential for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) to provide personalized care that meets patients' individual needs. This paper compares humanistic-existential psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), focusing on the strengths and challenges of each approach and their expected potential outcomes. By examining these differences, we can better understand the impact of each approach on clinical practice and patient outcomes. Descriptions of the Approaches Humanistic-existential psychotherapy focuses on the patient's subjective experience, personal growth, and search for meaning in life (Corey, 2021). It emphasizes individual autonomy, promoting self-awareness and self-actualization through a non-directive, empathetic therapeutic relationship. In this approach, the therapist’s role is to support patients in exploring their values, beliefs, and potential for personal development. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), on the other hand, is a structured, goal-oriented approach that aims to modify dysfunctional thoughts and behaviors (Beck & Haigh, 2014). CBT is based on the idea that distorted cognitive patterns lead to emotional and behavioral problems. By helping patients identify and challenge irrational beliefs, CBT enables them to develop healthier thinking patterns, ultimately leading to positive changes in emotions and behaviors. Differences Between Therapies One significant difference between these approaches lies in their core philosophies. Humanistic-existential therapy focuses on the subjective experience and emphasizes personal meaning-making and self-actualization, while CBT is more focused on the objective identification and correction of cognitive distortions (Corey, 2021). This difference can impact practice, as humanistic-existential therapy requires the therapist to create a deeply empathetic environment, while CBT is often more directive and solution-focused, with specific behavioral techniques and homework assignments. A second difference is in the treatment techniques utilized. Humanistic-existential therapy employs non-directive techniques, encouraging patients to lead the conversation and explore their thoughts and feelings without a predetermined agenda (Rogers, 1951). In contrast, CBT utilizes a structured format with specific tools, such as thought records, cognitive restructuring exercises, and behavioral experiments, aimed at altering dysfunctional thought patterns (Beck & Haigh, 2014). This structured approach in CBT may make it more suitable for patients seeking tangible goals and measurable progress, while humanistic-existential therapy may be better suited for patients interested in exploring their sense of self and meaning. Finally, the goals of the two therapies are distinct. Humanistic-existential therapy aims for self-awareness, personal growth, and authentic living, with the goal of helping patients find meaning and purpose in their experiences. In contrast, CBT is more focused on symptom reduction, helping patients alter specific behaviors and emotional responses (Beck & Haigh, 2014). These differences suggest that humanistic-existential therapy may be more appropriate for patients experiencing existential crises or seeking deeper self-understanding, whereas CBT is better suited for individuals with specific symptoms, such as anxiety or depression, who are seeking practical solutions. Video Analysis In one of the videos from this week’s learning resources, humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with a patient who was struggling with a lack of meaning and fulfillment in life. This approach was chosen because it allowed the patient to explore their sense of purpose in a safe and non-judgmental space, facilitating self-reflection and personal growth. The therapist employed empathetic listening and open-ended questions, creating an environment that empowered the patient to explore their thoughts and emotions freely. If CBT had been used instead, the expected potential outcome might have been different. Instead of focusing on finding meaning, CBT would likely have targeted the patient's negative thought patterns contributing to feelings of dissatisfaction (Beck & Haigh, 2014). While this could lead to symptom reduction, such as reduced feelings of anxiety or hopelessness, it might not have addressed the underlying existential issues as effectively as the humanistic-existential approach. Conclusion In conclusion, humanistic-existential psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy are distinct approaches that offer unique benefits and challenges. While humanistic-existential therapy focuses on personal growth, self-awareness, and meaning-making, CBT aims for symptom reduction through cognitive restructuring and behavior modification. Understanding these differences allows PMHNPs to choose the most appropriate therapeutic approach based on the individual needs of their patients. In the video analyzed, humanistic-existential psychotherapy was chosen to help the patient explore their existential concerns, illustrating the value of this approach for patients seeking personal meaning rather than symptom relief alone. References Beck, A. T., & Haigh, E. A. P. (2014). Advances in cognitive theory and therapy: The generic cognitive model. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 10, 1-24. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-032813-153734 Corey, G. (2021). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (11th ed.). Cengage Learning. Rogers, C. R. (1951). Client-centered therapy: Its current practice, implications, and theory. Houghton Mifflin.