Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT)

 
Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) 
Even though pharmacologic agents have been used to treat patients with mental health issues, psychotherapy is a therapeutic technique that does not require these agents. The approach uses talk therapy and counselling to reduce the symptoms of the identified mental illness by modifying behavior. Depending on the underlying illness, the therapist can choose from a wide variety of psychotherapeutic techniques to treat their clients. Additionally, the setting of the therapy, such as individual, group, or family sessions, can also determine the type of psychotherapy adapted for the client. This paper aims to compare humanistic-existential psychotherapy with cognitive behavioral therapy according to different aspects, including definitions, how they impact a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner’s practice, and identify why humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with the patient in one of the assigned videos.The humanistic-existential psychotherapy is a psychotherapeutic approach or talk therapythat aims at assisting mental health patients to overcome self-imposed restrictions. The therapy believes that clients have the capacity for choice and self-awareness. Therefore, it helps the clients to discover their own uniqueness through acquiring a greater awareness of themselves andtheir environments (Schneider, 2019). During therapy sessions, the therapist assists the client by teaching them to see their resistance to help them have a meaningful existence. The clients are given the freedom to explore different aspects of their lives that support their existence and thosethat can be discarded to achieve full existence. Moreover, the approach focuses on self-searching and meaning instead of labeling and diagnosing the client. The main goals in humanistic-existential therapy include developing the client’s capacity for self-awareness and understanding