Module 6.2: Psychotherapy Approaches (Phenomenological and Humanistic-Existential)

Phenomenological Approach: Understanding the individual's unique perception and interpretation of their lived world.

Humanistic-Existential Approach: Viewing individuals as whole, integrated beings (mind, body, spirit).

Emphasis on Subjective Experience (Phenomenology): Understanding the individual's unique perception and interpretation of their lived world.

Holistic View of the Person (Humanistic-Existential): Viewing individuals as whole, integrated beings (mind, body, spirit).

Innate Potential for Growth (Humanistic): Belief that individuals have an inherent drive towards growth and self-actualization.

Importance of Meaning and Purpose (Existential): Exploring fundamental questions of existence; distress can arise from lack of meaning.

Emphasis on the Present Moment (Humanistic-Existential): Focusing on the individual's current experience and choices.

Therapeutic Relationship (Humanistic-Existential): The quality of the relationship is central for facilitating change (empathy, genuineness, unconditional positive regard).

Non-Directive Approach (Often Humanistic-Existential): Therapists facilitate self-discovery rather than imposing interpretations.

Self-Actualization: The inherent tendency to move towards full potential and growth.

Organismic Valuing Process: Innate inner sense guiding towards growth-promoting experiences.

Conditions of Worth: External standards dictating when someone is deemed worthy; can lead to incongruence.

Incongruence: Discrepancy between self-concept and ideal self/actual experience.

Congruence: Therapist's genuineness and alignment of inner experience and outward expression.

Empathy: Therapist's ability to deeply understand the client's perspective.

Unconditional Positive Regard: Therapist's non-judgmental acceptance of the client.

Actualizing Tendency: Inherent drive to develop capacities and potentialities.

Phenomenal Field: The individual's subjective world of experience.

Existential Anxiety: Anxiety arising from awareness of death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness.

Freedom and Responsibility: Individuals have the freedom to choose and are responsible for their choices.

Meaning-Making: The human drive to find purpose and significance in life.

The Four Ultimate Concerns: Death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness.

Authenticity: Living in accordance with one's own values and beliefs.

Inauthenticity: Avoiding existential realities and living untrue to oneself.

Being-in-the-World: Human existence as inherently connected to the world.

Facticity: The given aspects of our existence (past, limitations, circumstances).

Possibilities: The choices and opportunities available despite our facticity.

Carl Rogers: Developed Person-Centered Therapy.

Abraham Maslow: Known for hierarchy of needs and self-actualization.