NRNP 6645 Week 7 Assignment: Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with other Approaches

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NRNP 6645 Week 7 Assignment: Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with other Approaches – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NRNP 6645 Week 7 Assignment: Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with other Approaches, it is essential to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. 

It is also important to identify the audience of the paper and its purpose so that it can help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, you should review its use, such as writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review how to format the title page and the headings in the paper.

How to Research and Prepare for NRNP 6645 Week 7 Assignment: Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with other Approaches

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify the list of keywords from your topic using different combinations. The first step is to visit the university library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last words and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, for example, in APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. 

You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching about. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next you should create a detailed outline of the paper so that it can help you to create headings and subheadings to be used in the paper. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for NRNP 6645 Week 7 Assignment: Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with other Approaches

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part as it helps to provide the context of your work, and will determine if the reader will be interested to read through to the end. You should start with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for NRNP 6645 Week 7 Assignment: Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with other Approaches

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence conducted from the research, ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance and how it connects to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between each paragraph by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NRNP 6645 Week 7 Assignment: Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with other Approaches

In-text citations help the reader to give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their works. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Smith (2021), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Johnson and Brown (2020) highlight that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.

How to Write the Conclusion for NRNP 6645 Week 7 Assignment: Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with other Approaches

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restarting your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper, by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. End with a call to action that leaves a lasting impact on the reader or recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for NRNP 6645 Week 7 Assignment: Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with other Approaches

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Johnson, L. M., & Brown, R. T. (2020). The role of telehealth in improving patient outcomes. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 35(2), 123-130. https://doi.org/10.1097/NCQ.0000000000000456

Smith, J. A. (2021). The impact of technology on nursing practice. Health Press.

NRNP 6645 Week 7 Assignment: Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with other Approaches Instructions

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.

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. Have a look at NRNP 6645 Week 8 Assignment Psychotherapy for Clients With Addictive Disorders.

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. 

NRNP 6645 Week 7 Assignment: Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with other Approaches Example

Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: A Comparative Analysis

Psychotherapy encompasses a diverse array of approaches designed to assist individuals in navigating their psychological difficulties. Two prominent therapeutic frameworks, humanistic-existential psychotherapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), are widely utilized in clinical practice, yet they diverge profoundly in their underlying principles and techniques. This paper offers a succinct overview of two therapeutic approaches, highlights their fundamental differences, and examines the application of humanistic-existential psychotherapy in a specific case scenario. Additionally, it evaluates the potential implications if CBT had been utilized with the client, drawing upon relevant scholarly literature.

Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy

Humanistic-existential psychotherapy is an integrated approach that emphasizes personal development, self-reflection, and the pursuit of meaning. It is grounded in the interrelated philosophical frameworks of humanism and existentialism. Humanism highlights the individual’s potential for self-realization, growth, and the intrinsic value of each person, while existentialism concentrates on the human experience, encompassing the themes of freedom, isolation, mortality, and the search for purpose (Heidenreich et al., 2021). These approaches motivate individuals to investigate their lived experiences, feelings, and cognitions while grappling with the realities of existence.

The humanistic-existential therapist serves as a facilitator, assisting clients in comprehending their personal challenges and choices while cultivating an environment of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. The focus is on the present moment, enabling clients to explore their emotions and behaviors without judgment. This approach is beneficial for individuals seeking to examine their identity, purpose, and self-determination.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT is a structured, goal-oriented approach that concentrates on identifying and modifying dysfunctional thought patterns and maladaptive behaviors. Grounded in the cognitive theories of Aaron Beck and Albert Ellis, CBT proposes that cognitive distortions—irrational or negative thoughts—contribute to emotional distress and problematic behaviors (Crisp & Gabbard, 2022). Challenging maladaptive thoughts and substituting them with more balanced perspectives can facilitate emotional relief and enhance individual functionality.

CBT is generally time-limited and entails a collaborative process between the therapist and the client. The therapist assists the client in identifying and modifying unhelpful thought patterns through techniques such as cognitive restructuring, behavioral experiments, and exposure therapy (Crisp & Gabbard, 2022). Extensive research has demonstrated the efficacy of this intervention, particularly in the treatment of affective disorders, anxiety conditions, and specific phobias.

Differences Between Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy and CBT

Difference #1: Focus on Meaning vs. Problem-Solving

A key distinction between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and CBT lies in their respective therapeutic focuses. Humanistic-existential therapy prioritizes assisting the individual in exploring existential questions and discovering personal meaning (Heidenreich et al., 2021). The therapist, in this approach, encourages the client to reflect deeply on their life experiences, personal autonomy, and accountability. In contrast, CBT is more problem-oriented and goal-directed as it aims to identify and address specific maladaptive thoughts and behaviors and develop practical interventions to modify them (Crisp & Gabbard, 2022). The focus of CBT is on resolving immediate issues rather than exploring deeper existential concerns.

As a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, this distinction can inform the selection of therapeutic approaches tailored to the client’s needs. For a client exploring personal growth or contending with existential concerns such as grief or life transitions, humanistic-existential therapy may be more suitable. Conversely, for a client struggling with a specific mental health condition like depression or anxiety, CBT may offer more expedient and targeted symptom relief.

Difference #2: Role of the Therapist

Humanistic-existential psychotherapy adopts a non-directive approach, where the therapist serves more as a facilitator or guide. The therapeutic relationship is viewed as a crucial component of the healing process, with the therapist offering empathy and unconditional positive regard. Conversely, CBT practitioners take a more directive stance, providing the client with specific tools and strategies to employ (Worrell, 2022).

As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, the choice between a directive or non-directive therapeutic approach can impact the clinical process. For patients who require structure, such as those experiencing panic disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder, the structured and directive nature of CBT may be more suitable. Conversely, for individuals who prioritize autonomy and self-expression, the non-directive humanistic-existential approach could prove more effective.

Difference #3: Time Orientation

Humanistic-existential psychotherapy emphasizes the present moment, encouraging clients to explore their current feelings and experiences. While it acknowledges past events, the primary focus is on how individuals interpret and find meaning in the present (Heidenreich et al., 2021). In contrast, CBT often examines past experiences to understand the development of cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors, aiming to break these patterns to improve future outcomes (Crisp & Gabbard, 2022). In clinical settings, this distinction implies that a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner may employ humanistic-existential therapy when a patient desires to focus on personal development and immediate experiences, while CBT may be more appropriate for patients needing to address past traumas or established thought and behavioral patterns.

Application of Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy: Case Analysis

In the video, the application of humanistic-existential psychotherapy aligns with the patient’s need for personal development, independence, and discovering purpose in life despite his difficulties. The patient struggles with feelings of isolation, unfulfillment, and existential anxiety, which are core concerns in existential therapy. For example, he expresses challenges in finding meaning and feels burdened by societal pressures, a central theme in existential crises.

This therapeutic approach has been applied to a group of patients, including those with suicidal ideations, who experience common existential concerns like feelings of isolation and meaninglessness (Akbari et al., 2022). To prevent severe outcomes such as suicide in the patient described in the case scenario, this method was selected because it promotes self-exploration and encourages the patient to address these existential fears directly. It provides a non-directive and empathetic environment for patients to reflect on their values and choices.

Humanistic-existential therapy aims to cultivate the patient’s self-awareness and ability to make genuine choices, addressing fundamental concerns of self-realization and liberty. By validating and contextualizing the patient’s anxieties about purpose and death, the therapist assists the client in regaining control over their life. Helm et al. (2020) support the effectiveness of this approach in treating clients grappling with existential crises, such as those experiencing loneliness, depression, suicidal thoughts, or a search for deeper meaning. Studies also demonstrate that existential therapy enhances psychological well-being by assisting clients in reframing their understanding of life’s inherent challenges, including isolation and mortality.

Had CBT been utilized instead, the emphasis would have shifted to identifying and modifying the patient’s maladaptive thought patterns rather than exploring the deeper existential concerns underlying their distress. While CBT has demonstrated efficacy in managing symptoms, particularly in conditions such as anxiety and depression, it may not fully address the existential fears that were central to this patient’s psychological challenges. CBT could have potentially yielded a more rapid reduction in symptomatology but may have failed to address the core existential concerns, potentially leading to a more superficial enhancement in the patient’s overall well-being.

Conclusion

In summary, humanistic-existential psychotherapy and CBT exhibit notable differences in their orientation, therapeutic methods, and temporal focus. The humanistic-existential approach emphasizes personal development and the pursuit of meaning, whereas CBT is more directed toward problem resolution and cognitive modification. As a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, comprehending the distinctions between therapeutic modalities is essential for selecting the most appropriate intervention for each individual client.

In the presented case, the utilization of humanistic-existential therapy proved effective in addressing the client’s existential concerns, while CBT would have been more suitable for resolving specific cognitive and behavioral challenges. Both approaches offer distinctive strengths, and the selection of therapy should be tailored to align with the client’s unique needs and goals.

References

Akbari, M., Rezaeian, M., Helm, P. J., & Becker, K. (2022). How existential therapy may help people who are suicidal. European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counselling, 24(4), 419–433. https://doi.org/10.1080/13642537.2023.2175888

Crisp, H., & Gabbard, G. O. (2022). Gabbard’s Textbook of Psychotherapeutic Treatments, second edition. American Psychiatric Pub.

Heidenreich, T., Noyon, A., Worrell, M., & Menzies, R. (2021). Existential approaches and cognitive behavior therapy: Challenges and potential. International Journal of Cognitive Therapy, 14(1), 209–234. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41811-020-00096-1

Helm, P. J., Medrano, M. R., Allen, J. J. B., & Greenberg, J. (2020). Existential isolation, loneliness, depression, and suicide ideation in young adults. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology, 39(8), 641–674. https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2020.39.8.641

Worrell, M. (2022). CBT and existential psychology: Philosophy, psychology and therapy. Wiley-Blackwell.