Humanistic / Existential therapy

topic posted Wed, October 22, 2008 - 11:04 AM by 
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Can anyone describe the ways the differences between humanistic therapy and existential therapy have become apparent in real clinical settings? Or do you find the two schools of thought overlap seamlessly?
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  • Re: Humanistic / Existential therapy

    Sat, November 15, 2008 - 7:09 PM
    Seemed a pretty straightforward question there...
    • Re: Humanistic / Existential therapy

      Wed, March 4, 2009 - 4:43 PM
      i think there is a difference.

      i think a humanistic approach lays out the basics under most types of counselling. being non-judgemental, listening, paraphrasing - all that stuff.

      in my mind, an existential approach is more about those times when you are looking at the big picture and try to help someone find their answers to some of life's bigger questions. and often looking for meaning in all of it.

      i always use a humanistic approach along with any other approach (i specialize in EMDR). i rarely use an existential approach at work - not never, but rarely do i have those types of talks with people - usually thats when it gets into religion and wondering why we exist at all...

      just a few thoughts...
      • Re: Humanistic / Existential therapy

        Fri, March 6, 2009 - 5:07 PM
        In my opinion, humanism is not really a theory. It is a necessary foundation to build rapport.

        I use a form of existentialism most of the time. I prefer to work in the here and now, rather than to go back into past traumas and stories. I think going back into 'causes' can be a trap. Stories change every time they are told. Memories are always influenced by the present or seen through current lenses. It's just not possible to go back and view events neutrally. And a therapist can implant suggestions without knowing it.

        So I think it is better to work in the present (existentialism) and build new stories of strength and purpose.

        I'm actually more of a social constructionist, as I don't believe that our distress is internal (it is a social phenomenon) and I do believe strict existentialism is an ISE perspective. (inner subjective experience)

        Of course there are different kinds of existentialism, I'm of the Frankl persuasion... within a constructionist frame!

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