Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Other Approaches
Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Other Approaches
Humanistic-existential psychotherapy focuses on the patient’s lived experience, meaning, and personal responsibility. It is influenced by theorists such as Carl Rogers and Rollo May. This approach emphasizes authenticity, empathy, and the therapeutic relationship as the main tool for change. Patients are encouraged to explore identity, freedom, and life purpose while accepting responsibility for choices. Distress is viewed as part of normal human existence, especially related to themes such as death, isolation, and meaning. Research shows that existential approaches help reduce psychological distress and increase self-awareness and meaning in life through reflective dialogue and emotional processing (Vos, 2023; Erling et al., 2025). The therapy is flexible and non-directive, allowing patients to guide sessions based on their experiences. It is often used in cases involving grief, identity concerns, and life transitions where deeper reflection is needed.
Psychodynamic psychotherapy focuses on unconscious processes and how early life experiences shape current behavior. It originates from the work of Sigmund Freud. This approach examines unresolved conflicts, defense mechanisms, and recurring interpersonal patterns. The therapist helps the patient gain insight into unconscious motivations that influence emotions and behavior. Techniques include interpretation, exploration of transference, and linking past experiences to present problems. Recent literature shows that psychodynamic therapy improves emotional functioning and interpersonal relationships by increasing insight into internal conflicts (Leichsenring et al., 2022). This therapy is less structured than behavioral models but more interpretive than humanistic approaches. It is commonly used for patients with personality disorders, trauma histories, or chronic relational difficulties.
One major difference between humanistic-existential therapy and psychodynamic therapy is time orientation. Humanistic therapy focuses on present experiences and future meaning, while psychodynamic therapy focuses on past experiences and childhood influences. This difference impacts PMHNP practice because treatment planning depends on the patient’s presenting problem. Patients dealing with identity or purpose may benefit from present-focused exploration, while patients with unresolved trauma may need past-focused analysis. Another difference is therapist role. Humanistic therapists act as facilitators who provide empathy and support, while psychodynamic therapists actively interpret unconscious material. This affects how the PMHNP interacts with patients and structures sessions. The therapeutic relationship is central in both approaches, but its function differs. Humanistic therapy uses the relationship as a space for growth, while psychodynamic therapy uses it to analyze patterns such as transference (Vos, 2023).
A second difference involves how each therapy understands awareness. Humanistic-existential therapy emphasizes conscious awareness and personal choice. Patients reflect on their thoughts and feelings in real time. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on unconscious processes that are outside immediate awareness. The PMHNP must use different skills depending on the approach. In humanistic therapy, the clinician supports reflection and emotional expression. In psychodynamic therapy, the clinician identifies hidden meanings and patterns. A third difference is structure. Humanistic therapy is open and flexible, while psychodynamic therapy often follows a consistent pattern of exploring past relationships and recurring themes. These differences influence patient engagement. Some patients prefer open discussion, while others benefit from structured exploration of patterns. The choice of therapy should align with patient readiness and cognitive capacity for insight-oriented work (Erling et al., 2025).
Another difference relates to how distress is conceptualized. Humanistic-existential therapy views distress as a response to existential concerns such as lack of meaning or fear of death. Psychodynamic therapy views distress as the result of unresolved unconscious conflict. This distinction affects diagnosis and intervention. A PMHNP using a humanistic approach may focus on values, purpose, and emotional experience. A psychodynamic approach may focus on defense mechanisms and relational patterns. Treatment goals also differ. Humanistic therapy aims for self-acceptance and meaning, while psychodynamic therapy aims for insight into unconscious conflict and behavioral change. These differences influence how progress is measured and how long treatment may last. Humanistic therapy may lead to gradual personal growth, while psychodynamic therapy may involve deeper restructuring of personality over time (Schnipke et al., 2023).
In the clinical video, humanistic-existential psychotherapy was used because the patient presented with emotional distress related to meaning, identity, and life direction. The therapist used empathy, active listening, and validation to create a safe space for expression. This approach allowed the patient to explore feelings without pressure to change behavior immediately. Research supports this use because existential therapy helps patients confront life challenges and develop meaning, which can reduce distress and improve psychological well-being (Frøkedal et al., 2025). The therapy matched the patient’s needs because the primary issue was existential concern rather than unconscious conflict or behavioral dysfunction. The patient benefited from a non-directive approach that supported reflection and autonomy.
If psychodynamic therapy had been used, the outcome might have focused more on uncovering unconscious conflicts and early relational patterns. This could provide deeper insight but may not address the patient’s immediate need for meaning and emotional validation. The patient might feel overwhelmed by the focus on past experiences instead of current concerns. Psychodynamic therapy often requires a longer time frame before noticeable change occurs. However, it could be beneficial if the patient had persistent interpersonal patterns or unresolved trauma. As a PMHNP, selecting the appropriate therapy requires aligning the treatment approach with the patient’s presenting problem and readiness for insight-based work. Matching therapy to patient needs improves engagement, adherence, and overall outcomes.
References
Erling, I., Waltersson, C. A., Waern, M., Tillfors, M., Hed, S., Wiktorsson, S., & Berg, A. I. (2025). Pathways to change in existential group treatment: experiences from older adults with psychological distress in primary care. BMC Geriatrics, 25(1), 504. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-025-06157-4
Frøkedal, H., Larsen, T. K., & Johnsen, E. (2025). The use of existential group therapy in mental health care: Clinical applications and outcomes. International Journal of Group Psychotherapy, 75(2), 145–162. https://doi.org/10.1080/00207284.2025.2551501
Leichsenring, F., Steinert, C., & Rabung, S. (2022). The efficacy of psychodynamic therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Psychiatry, 179(10), 760–770. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2024.100840
Schnipke, B., & MacKay, M. (2023). Existential Issues in Psychotherapy. Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience, 20(1-3), 72–75. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10132274/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Vos, J. (2023). Existential therapies and their empirical evidence: A review of recent research. L’Encéphale, 49(2), 123–130. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prps.2023.06.001
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Comparing Humanistic-Existential Psychotherapy with Other Approaches
Understanding the strengths of each type of therapy and which type of therapy is most appropriate for each patient is an essential skill of the psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner. In this Assignment, you will compare humanistic-existential therapy to another psychotherapeutic approach. You will identify the strengths and challenges of each approach and describe expected potential outcomes.
Resources
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
To prepare:
- Review the humanistic-existential psychotherapy videos in this week’s Learning Resources.
- Reflect on humanistic-existential psychotherapeutic approaches.
- Then, select another psychotherapeutic approach to compare with humanistic-existential psychotherapy. The approach you choose may be one you previously explored in the course or one you are familiar with and especially interested in.
The Assignment
In a 2- to 3-page paper, address the following:
- Briefly describe humanistic-existential psychotherapy and the second approach you selected.
- Explain at least three differences between these therapies. Include how these differences might impact your practice as a PMHNP.
- Focusing on one video you viewed, explain why humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with the patient in the video and why it was the treatment of choice. Describe the expected potential outcome if the second approach had been used with the patient.
- Support your response with specific examples from this week’s media and at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources. Explain why each of your supporting sources is considered scholarly. Attach the PDFs of your sources.
Note: The School of Nursing requires that all papers submitted include a title page, introduction, summary, and references. The Sample Paper provided at the Walden Writing Center provides an example of those required elements (available at http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templates ). All papers submitted must use this formatting.
By Day 7
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submission information
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Rubric
NRNP_6645_Week7_Assignment_Rubric
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts |
|---|---|---|
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeDevelop a 2- to 3-page paper comparing humanistic-existential therapy to another psychotherapeutic approach of your choice. Be sure to address the following: · Briefly describe humanistic-existential psychotherapy and the second approach you selected. | 25 to >22.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%The response includes an accurate and concise description of humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach.
22 to >19.0 ptsGood 80%–89%The response includes a description of humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach. 19 to >17.0 ptsFair 70%–79%The response includes a somewhat vague or inaccurate description of humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach. 17 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%The response includes a vague and inaccurate description of humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach, or is missing. |
25 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome· Explain at least three differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and the approach you selected. · Include how these differences might impact your practice as a PMHNP. | 25 to >22.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%The response includes an accurate and clear explanation of three differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach. The response includes a thoughtful and throrough explanation of how the differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach might impact your practice as a PMHNP.
22 to >19.0 ptsGood 80%–89%The response includes an accurate explanation of three differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach…. The response includes an explanation of how the differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach might impact your practice as a PMHNP. 19 to >17.0 ptsFair 70%–79%The response includes a somehwat vague or inaccurate explanation of three differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach…. The response includes a somewhat vague or inaccurate explanation of how the differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach might impact your practice as a PMHNP. 17 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%The response includes a vague and inaccurate explanation of three differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach, or is missing…. The response includes a vague and inaccurate explanation of how the differences between humanistic-existential psychotherapy and your selected approach might impact your practice as a PMHNP, or is missing. |
25 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome· Explain why humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with the client in the video and why it was the treatment of choice. · Describe the expected potential outcome if the second approach had been used with the client. · Support your response with at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources from the literature. PDFs are attached. | 35 to >31.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%The response includes a thorough and accurate explanation of why humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with the client and why it was the treatment of choice. The response includes a thorough and accurate description of the expected potential outcome had the second approach been used with the client. The response is supported by at least three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources from the literature that provide strong support for the rationale provided. PDFs are attached.
31 to >27.0 ptsGood 80%–89%The response includes an accurate explanation of why humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with the client and why it was the treatment of choice…. The response includes a description of the expected potential outcome had the second approach been used with the client…. The response is supported by three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources from the literature that provide appropriate support for the rationale provided. PDFs are attached. 27 to >23.0 ptsFair 70%–79%The response includes a somewhat vague or incomplete explanation of why humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with the client and why it was the treatment of choice…. The response includes a somewhat vague or incomplete description of the expected potential outcome had the second approach been used with the client…. The response is supported by two or three peer-reviewed, evidence-based sources from the literature. Resources selected may provide only weak support for the rationale provided. PDFs may not be attached. 23 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%The response includes a vague and inaccurate explanation of why humanistic-existential psychotherapy was utilized with the client and why it was the treatment of choice, or is missing…. The response includes a vauge and incomplete description of the expected potential outcome had the second approach been used with the client, or is missing…. The response is supported by vague or inaccurate evidence from the literature, or is missing. |
35 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – Paragraph Development and Organization: Paragraphs make clear points that support well-developed ideas, flow logically, and demonstrate continuity of ideas. Sentences are carefully focused—neither long and rambling nor short and lacking substance. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement and introduction is provided which delineates all required criteria. | 5 to >4.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity. A clear and comprehensive purpose statement, introduction, and conclusion are provided that delineates all required criteria.
4 to >3.5 ptsGood 80%–89%Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time…. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are stated, yet are brief and not descriptive. 3.5 to >3.0 ptsFair 70%–79%Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 60%–79% of the time…. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are vague or off topic. 3 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity < 60% of the time…. No purpose statement, introduction, or conclusion were provided. |
5 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – English writing standards: Correct grammar, mechanics, and proper punctuation | 5 to >4.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%Uses correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation with no errors.
4 to >3.5 ptsGood 80%–89%Paragraphs and sentences follow writing standards for flow, continuity, and clarity 80% of the time…. Purpose, introduction, and conclusion of the assignment are stated, yet are brief and not descriptive. 3.5 to >3.0 ptsFair 70%–79%Contains 3 or 4 grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. 3 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%Contains many (≥ 5) grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors that interfere with the reader’s understanding. |
5 pts |
| This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWritten Expression and Formatting – The paper follows correct APA format for title page, headings, font, spacing, margins, indentations, page numbers, parenthetical/in-text citations, and reference list. | 5 to >4.0 ptsExcellent 90%–100%Uses correct APA format with no errors.
4 to >3.5 ptsGood 80%–89%Contains 1 or 2 APA format errors. 3.5 to >3.0 ptsFair 70%–79%Contains 3 or 4 APA format errors. 3 to >0 ptsPoor 0%–69%Contains many (≥ 5) APA format errors. |
5 pts |
Total Points: 100