Humanistic-Existential and Psychoanalytic Approaches in Psychotherapy: A Comparative Analysis for Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing Practice
Overview
This paper compares humanistic-existential psychotherapy with the psychoanalytic approach, examining their theoretical foundations and practical applications in psychiatric mental health nursing practice. The analysis explores how each approach conceptualizes human psychological functioning, sources of anxiety, and therapeutic interventions to understand their distinct impacts on clinical practice.
What this essay covers
- Introduction: Overview of humanistic-existential therapy focusing on human experiences and the struggle between responsibility and freedom
- Description: Detailed explanation of personality theory in humanistic-existential approach emphasizing meaning-seeking and self-actualization, contrasted with psychoanalytic divisions of conscious/unconscious mind
- Differences Between the Therapies: Comparative analysis of focus, symptoms, and treatment strategies between the two approaches
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Psychotherapy Approaches Comparison
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Psychotherapy Approaches Comparison
Introduction
Humanistic-existential psychotherapy focuses on human experiences rather than behavior rules and division of the mind into different areas. Notably, humanistic-existential psychotherapy comprises numerous theories. The most significant theory is the theory of personality, which asserts that there is an inner struggle between responsibility and freedom. As a result, there is inherent pursuit among people to resolve the internal conflict. The paper describes the humanistic-existential psychotherapy and the psychoanalytic approach, explaining the differences and their impact on the practice of a PMHNP.
Description
As noted earlier, human-existential psychotherapy comprises several theories. The theory of personality, which is among the human-existential therapy, asserts that people search for meaning and purpose in life. In this regard, they are seeking value and self-awareness. The theory also posits that building relations, forming identity, and attaining self-actualization are critical developmental processes in human beings. As a result, people will encounter fears of meaninglessness, death, isolation, guilt, lack of relationships, and emptiness at some point in their lives. Based on the angle of personality theory, it becomes clear that the humanistic-existential approach concentrates on the meaning of existence and making sense of life. Therefore, people experience existential anxiety, which is a typical form with the potential for positive outcomes. Although it is possible to overcome existential anxiety through courage, humanistic-existential counselors believe that people do not experience perpetual security and safety because uncertainties are inevitable. Therefore, counselors' techniques aim to build empathetic relationships with their patients.