Week 4: Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy
College of Nursing-PMHNP, Walden University
NRNP 6645: Psychotherapy with Multiple Modalities
14:54:27 GMT -05:00
, Week 4: Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy
There are many different approaches to psychotherapy. Determining which approach is
most beneficial to the client is essential. Because it is improbable that only one method will work
for all clients, it is crucial to understand various approaches to therapy. Conducting
psychotherapy and delivering therapeutic interventions will be a significant portion of a
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner's (PMHNPs) practice. This paper will outline both
the humanistic-existential and the person-centered approach to therapy. An explanation of
differences between the two approaches will be discussed and include how these differences
might impact a PMHNP's practice. After reviewing James Bugental (2008) Existential-
humanistic psychotherapy video, an explanation of why humanistic-existential psychotherapy
was the treatment of choice will be given. Lastly, a description of the expected outcomes of the
video will be provided, had person-centered therapy been utilized.
Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy
Humanistic-existential therapy focuses on human experiences instead of behavioral rules
or dividing the mind into several different areas, as seen in psychoanalytical or analytical
approaches (Grande, 2016). An essential part of humanistic-existential therapy is the idea that
there is an interpersonal struggle between the concepts of freedom and responsibility, and the
individuals move towards resolving the struggle. (Grande, 2016). Commitment to this approach
is grounded in the belief that patients are uniquely capable of reflective consciousness, which
leads to self-determination and self-actualization (Wheeler, 2020). "The therapist focuses on
empathic understanding of the patient and trust that the patient has the capacity to make choices
and strive toward meaningful life goals" (Wheeler, 2020, p. 291).
14:54:27 GMT -05:00
College of Nursing-PMHNP, Walden University
NRNP 6645: Psychotherapy with Multiple Modalities
14:54:27 GMT -05:00
, Week 4: Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy
There are many different approaches to psychotherapy. Determining which approach is
most beneficial to the client is essential. Because it is improbable that only one method will work
for all clients, it is crucial to understand various approaches to therapy. Conducting
psychotherapy and delivering therapeutic interventions will be a significant portion of a
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner's (PMHNPs) practice. This paper will outline both
the humanistic-existential and the person-centered approach to therapy. An explanation of
differences between the two approaches will be discussed and include how these differences
might impact a PMHNP's practice. After reviewing James Bugental (2008) Existential-
humanistic psychotherapy video, an explanation of why humanistic-existential psychotherapy
was the treatment of choice will be given. Lastly, a description of the expected outcomes of the
video will be provided, had person-centered therapy been utilized.
Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy
Humanistic-existential therapy focuses on human experiences instead of behavioral rules
or dividing the mind into several different areas, as seen in psychoanalytical or analytical
approaches (Grande, 2016). An essential part of humanistic-existential therapy is the idea that
there is an interpersonal struggle between the concepts of freedom and responsibility, and the
individuals move towards resolving the struggle. (Grande, 2016). Commitment to this approach
is grounded in the belief that patients are uniquely capable of reflective consciousness, which
leads to self-determination and self-actualization (Wheeler, 2020). "The therapist focuses on
empathic understanding of the patient and trust that the patient has the capacity to make choices
and strive toward meaningful life goals" (Wheeler, 2020, p. 291).
14:54:27 GMT -05:00
