Existential humanistic therapy is a relatively new form of therapy that combines the best of existential and humanistic therapies. It is a holistic approach that focuses on the entire person, including their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health. In this comprehensive guide, we will discuss what existential-humanistic therapy is, its benefits, and how to find a therapist who practices it.
Contents
What Is Existential-Humanistic Therapy?
Existential humanistic therapy is a type of therapy that emphasizes the humanistic aspects of existence. This type of therapy focuses on the individual’s experience and how it can be used to promote growth and change. Existential humanistic therapy also takes into account the social and cultural context in which an individual lives.
This therapy has its roots in existential philosophy and humanistic psychology. It is based on the belief that humans are capable of making their own choices and that they are responsible for their own lives. This type of therapy also emphasizes the importance of relationships, self-awareness, and growth.
More often than not, existential-humanistic therapy is used to treat anxiety and depression. This is because the focus on the individual’s experience can help to identify the root cause of these conditions.
The therapist will work with the client to explore their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. This exploration can help to uncover any underlying issues that may be contributing to the client’s anxiety or depression. Once these issues have been identified, the therapist can help the client to develop a plan to address them.
Existential-humanistic therapy can be an effective treatment for various mental disorders. If you are struggling with any of the conditions, consider seeking out a therapist who specializes in this type of therapy.
How Does It Differ From Existential Therapy?
This is often a difficult question for people to answer, as the two therapies can seem very similar at first glance. Both existential and existential-humanistic therapy focuses on the human condition, and both emphasize the need for humans to find meaning in their lives.
However, there are some key differences between the two approaches.
Existential therapy tends to focus more on the negative aspects of human existence, such as death, freedom, and isolation. This focus can often lead to a feeling of despair or hopelessness in clients.
Existential-humanistic therapy, on the other hand, emphasizes the positive aspects of being human. This includes our capacity for love, creativity, and growth. This focus leads to a feeling of hope and possibility in clients.
So, which approach is right for you? If you are feeling hopeless and despairing, existential therapy may be a good fit. If you are feeling hopeful and motivated, existential-humanistic therapy may be a better option.
Of course, the best way to find out is to consult with a qualified therapist who can help you assess your needs. And also make the best decision for you.
What Are the Key Components Of It?
There are four key components of existential-humanistic therapy:
- Phenomenology
- Hermeneutics
- Dialogues
- Patients’ lived experiences
Phenomenology is the philosophical study of structures of consciousness as experienced from the first-person point of view. Hermeneutics is the branch of knowledge that deals with interpretation, especially of literary texts. Dialogues are conversations between two or more people. Patients’ lived experiences are the day-to-day realities of their lives.
Existential humanistic therapy focuses on helping patients find meaning in their lives. It is based on the belief that humans are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. The therapist works to create a safe environment in which the patient can explore their thoughts and feelings.
The therapist uses phenomenology to understand the patient’s experience. They use hermeneutics to interpret the patient’s lived experiences. Dialogues are used to help the patient explore their thoughts and feelings. Patients’ lived experiences are used to help them find meaning in their lives.
So, in simple words, these four key elements are a vital part of existential-humanistic therapy which helps individuals to find the meaning and purpose of their life.
How Does It Work?
When you choose the existential-humanistic therapy approach, you’re choosing to work on your mental health in a way that’s focused on your unique experience as a human being. This type of therapy can be useful for people who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health issues.
It is believed that in this therapy, a therapist is more concerned with the humanistic and existential aspects of a person. This therapy approach is based on the philosophical work of Jean-Paul Sartre, Rollo May, and Viktor Frankl.
The aim of this type of therapy is to help you find meaning in your life and to understand your unique experience as a human being. This type of therapy can be useful for people who want to explore their sense of self and purpose in life.
Generally, this therapy works by exploring three main areas:
- Your relationships with other people
- How you see yourself
- Your place in the world
Each of these areas can be explored in-depth, and you’ll work on developing a greater understanding of yourself and your place in the world. So, consider this type of therapy if you want to explore your sense of self and purpose in life.
What Are The Techniques Used?
When you are in existential-humanistic therapy, the therapist will help you to confront your fears and anxieties. They will also help you to find meaning in your life.
The techniques that are used in this type of therapy include:
- Focusing on the here and now
- Encouraging you to be aware of your thoughts and feelings
- Helping you to understand your own values and beliefs
- Teaching you how to make decisions for yourself
- Encouraging you to take responsibility for your own life
These techniques are used to help you to understand yourself better and to make changes in your life. If you are struggling with mental health issues, this type of therapy may be right for you. Talk to your therapist about whether or not this type of therapy would be a good fit for you.
In existential-humanistic therapy, the therapist strives to create a safe environment where the client can explore their thoughts and feelings without judgment. The therapist uses these techniques in order to help the client find meaning in their life.
If you are struggling with mental health issues, this type of therapy may be right for you. Talk to your therapist about whether or not this type of therapy would be a good fit for you.
What Are The Benefits Of It?
There are many benefits to existential-humanistic therapy. Some of these are discussed below:
Mortality understanding
This is one of the essential benefits of existential-humanistic therapy. It helps individuals to develop an understanding of their mortality. This is done by looking at the concepts of death and dying in a different light. It also helps people to understand that life is finite and that they need to make the most out of it. This may seem like a morbid topic, but it is actually very therapeutic. It can help people realize that life is precious and should be lived to the fullest.
Improved self-awareness
The therapy is based on the belief that humans are innately good and have the potential to grow and change. The therapist strives to create a safe environment where clients can explore their true selves without judgment. Through self-exploration, clients can develop a better understanding of who they are and what they want out of life.
Helps people to accept the past
This therapy is more about the here and now. It helps people to come to terms with what has happened in their lives and to make peace with it. The therapist uses techniques such as mindfulness, self-compassion, and acceptance to help the client move on from the past. Because this benefit is so important, this therapy is a great choice for those who have experienced trauma or who are struggling with grief.
Reduce stress and anxiety
Mental disorders are common, with an estimated prevalence of 20-25% in the United States. Anxiety disorders are the most common, with a lifetime prevalence of 29.0%. Existential humanistic therapy (EHT) is a type of psychological therapy that emphasizes our inherent capacity for self-determination and personal growth. In this way, it helps in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders by reducing stress and anxiety.
Assists in future plans
It is one of the main goals and benefits of this therapy to help the client find meaning in their life and plan for the future. The therapist will assist the client in exploring their values and beliefs, as well as what is important to them. Through this exploration, the therapist hopes to help the client find a sense of meaning and purpose in their life.
So, these are some important benefits that existential-humanistic therapy can offer. If you are struggling with finding meaning in your life or feeling stuck and lost, this may be a good type of therapy for you to consider. Even so, it is important to consult with a therapist to see if this is the right type of therapy for you and your unique situation.
Are There Any Drawbacks?
It is often believed that there is the existence of some drawbacks to this therapy. Let’s discuss that in order to gain a better understanding.
This therapy can be quite confronting as it makes individuals face their fears and anxieties head-on. It is not for everyone and some might find it overwhelming. However, the key is to work at your own pace and comfort levels.
Trust is also essential in this type of therapy as you will need to be vulnerable with your therapist. If you do not feel comfortable with your therapist, it is unlikely that this therapy will be effective for you.
Moreover, it may lack structure when compared to other types of therapies and this can be off-putting for some people. However, its lack of structure is also one of its strengths as it allows for a more flexible approach that can be tailored to the individual.
Finally, the drawback could be the cost as it is not always covered by insurance companies. If you are considering this type of therapy, be sure to check with your insurance provider first.
Existential humanistic therapy can be an incredibly effective way to address fears and anxieties. It is important to find a therapist you trust and feel comfortable with and to work at your own pace. While it may lack structure, this can also be seen as a strength. The main drawback is the cost, but it may be worth the investment.
Conclusion
To conclude, existential-humanistic therapy is a unique and comprehensive approach to mental health that can be used to effectively treat a wide range of issues. If you or someone you know is struggling with psychological problems, consider seeking out a therapist who specializes in this type of therapy.
With the help of an experienced professional, you can explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe and supportive environment. And also learn how to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
However, if you are struggling to find the right help, contact Mantra Care for the best, most convenient, affordable, and confidential therapy sessions. Our expert counselors can help you develop a plan to manage your condition. You can also book a therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.
