NCE Exam: Existential/ Humanistic Therapies

Carl Rogers

Humanistic. Author of Person-centered approach.

Person-centered approach

Most used model to promote understanding btw. cultures/race. Empowers ce, avoids diagnosis/labeling ce, lacks techniques, is not good for crisis counseling, is non-directive, uses open-ended questions and reflection.

Rogerian traits of an effective cc

1. Genuineness/congruence

2. Empathetic understanding

3. Unconditional positive regard of ce which creates a non-judgmental, "I" - "Thou" relationship.

Rogerian view of human nature

Man is basically good/positive when developed in a warm, accepting, trusting environment. Man is naturally inclined twd. self-actualization.

Robert Carkhuff

Created 5 point empathy scale

Viktor Frankl

Existential therapist that authored "logo therapy", "paradoxical intention", & "anticipatory anxiety". He survived the Holocaust.

Existential therapy

1960's. A humanistic, psychodynamic form of therapy that focuses on the idea that the essence of humans is their existence & that the ultimate concerns of life need to be faced. Ppl's lives have purpose & meaning. The cc enters into the ce's world to discover his subjective experiences. Empowerment in our choices is emphasized. It rejects analysis & behaviorism as reductionistic. Stresses growth and self-actualization. Influenced by existential philosophers, Sartre, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Dostoevsky, Buber, Jaspers, Boss, Binswanger, Heidegger, & Tillich.

Irvin Yalom

American existential psychiatrist. Focuses on the4 givens of the human condition: isolation, meaninglessness, mortality, & freedom. Cc works to help ce find a functional as opposed to dysfunctional way to deal with these. He also proposed a list of therapeutic factors for group therapy.

Rollo May

The "father of existential psychotherapy". Major proponent of existential psychology in America. Unlike Maslow & Rogers he showed a greater awareness of the tragic dimensions of human existence.

Abraham Maslow

Humanistic approach. Formed the "hierarchy of needs", which posited that basic human needs need to be met before a person can ascend to self-actualization.

Logotherapy

Rather than power or pleasure, striving to find meaning in one's life is the primary, most motivating force in humans. The cc helps the ce discover meaning in his life through a deed/accomplishment, experiencing a value (love) in a person or environment, or unavoidable suffering.

Social power of cc

1. Expertise; 2. Attractiveness; 3. Trustworthiness.

William Glasser

Author of "Reality therapy" which incorporates "choice theory".Held that human beings have 4 basic psychological needs after survival: most important need is to love and be loved by another person or group for a feeling of belonging; the need for power, through learning, achieving, feeling worthwhile, winning and through being competent; the need for freedom, including independence and autonomy while simultaneously exercising personal responsibility; the need for fun, pleasure seeking enjoyment and relaxation.

Reality therapy (RT)

Employs both existential and cognitive- behavioral concepts. Based on "choice theory". 8 step process. "Success" v. "failure" identity. "Responsible" v. "irresponsible" behavior. CX strives to empower people by emphasizing doing what is within their control (one's own behavior). Cc becomes "friends" w/ce. There is no focus on the past, symptoms, nor unconscious mental processes. Individuals suffer from a socially universal human condition rather than mental illnesses. Problem-solving focuses on the here-and-now actions of the client and the ability to create and choose a better future. Contracts are used. Goal is to balance the 4 basic needs: belongingness, freedom, power, and fun."No excuses, no punishment, and never give up." Feelings and physiology can be changed indirectly, but only if there is a change in the acting and thinking.

Choice theory axiom

Judge all you do by asking: Is what I am doing getting me closer to the people I need?

Ontology

the metaphysical study of being & existing

phenomenology

The client's internal personal experience of events. The study of experience and how we experience. Important in existential cx

Buber

--Existentialist

--I-Thou relationship: counselor-client relationship is horizontal and equal.