Week 2: Humanistic/Existential Theories
Assignment: Humanistic/Existential Theories
Introduction
Consider your thoughts about the following statements:
· People are generally good, trustworthy, productive, and able to make positive changes.
· The responsibility for change and growth lies with the client.
· We should focus on the “here and now,” not so much on the “then and there.”
These statements reflect humanistic and existential theories developed by theorists such as Carl Rogers, Rollo May, Victor Frankl, and Fritz Perlz. This week, you explore the key components of humanistic and existential theories. You are also introduced to Deidre, a client depicted in media throughout several weeks of this course. Each week that Deidre’s case is presented, you will use theories to propose effective interventions that could help her to reach her goals.
Objectives
Students will: Apply humanistic/existential interventions
· Evaluate humanistic/existential theories
· Apply concepts related to humanistic/existential theories
Please proceed to the Resources.
Week 2 Discussion
Applying Humanistic and Existential Theories
A common element of this week’s theories is the focus on client emotion. The central tenet of these theories is that clients are at the center of the counseling process. When counselors use these approaches, they ask clients to not only assess their emotions, but also how they perceive these emotions to influence their lives.
During this process, counselors who often use humanistic and existential approaches partner alongside the client as a nonjudgmental ally, prompting the clients to reconnect with themselves and increase their own self-awareness. Theorists in these paradigms believe that it is not the interpretation of the counselor that helps clients, but rather the interpretation of the clients themselves. In fact, prominent humanistic and existential theorists cast aside the dominant, all-knowing presence of the counselor illustrated by some behavioral and psychoanalytic approaches.
In this Discussion, you consider how each of this week’s theories, existential, person-centered, and Gestalt, provides a different counseling approach. You also reflect upon how theoretical approaches influence the interventions that you might employ with your case study client, Deidre. Before watching the Deidre media, review this week’s Learning Resources to review how the Capuzzi and Gross text used each theoretical approach with the client in “The Case of Maria.”
Posting Directions: In the subject line of your post, use the following title format: “Title of Discussion: The theory you selected for this Discussion.” Your initial post must be at least 200 words in length.
Post by Day 3 a brief description of the humanistic or existential theory you selected. Then, based on this theoretical approach, describe two interventions you could employ with Deidre and explain why. Finally, explain how each of these interventions would help Deidre move toward her goals.
Week 2 Learning Resources
This page contains the Learning Resources for this week. Be sure to scroll down the page to see all of this week’s assigned Learning Resources.
Assignment: Humanistic/Existential Theories
Required Resources
Readings
· Capuzzi, D., & Gross, D. R. (Ed.). (2011). Counseling and psychotherapy: Theories and interventions (5th ed.). Alexandria, VA: American Counseling Association.
o Chapter 6, “Existential Theory” (pp. 119–142)
o Chapter 7, “Person-Centered Theory” (pp. 143–166)
o Chapter 8, “Gestalt Theory” (pp. 167–191)
Media
· Laureate Education, Inc. (Executive Producer). (2012). Deidre [Multimedia]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Note: Please click on the following link for the transcript: Transcript (PDF)
Optional Resources
· Association for the Advancement of Gestalt Therapy. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.aagt.org/
· Association for the Development of the Person Centered Approach. (2011). Retrieved fromhttp://www.adpca.org/
· Association for Humanistic Psychology. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.ahpweb.org/
· Existential-Humanistic Institute. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.ehinstitute.org/
· World Association for Person Centered and Experiential Psychotherapy and Counseling. (2012). Retrieved from http://www.pce-world.org/
Please proceed to the Discussion.Return to top
QUESTION 1
1. In order to be genuine, counselors:
| [removed] | a. | Have to practice using a “poker face” |
| [removed] | b. | Have to know themselves |
| [removed] | c. | Must use reflections of feeling |
| [removed] | d. | Should avoid analysis of transference |
2 points
Assignment: Humanistic/Existential Theories
QUESTION 2
1. Heidegger’s notions of choice, that each choice one makes represents the loss of an alternative, includes all of the following except:
| [removed] | a. | The past becomes important in terms of lost opportunities. |
| [removed] | b. | Future choices are limited due to past choices and the time remaining to fulfill them. |
| [removed] | c. | We have the freedom to choose but must balance this with responsibility. |
| [removed] | d. | Some choices are irrational and we need to train ourselves not to make them with rewards and punishments. |
2 points
QUESTION 3
1. Consider a client who feels that he is unlikable by others in his life. When the counseling discussion turns to how likeable the client is to the counselor or therapist, this is an example of:
| [removed] | a. | Distracting the client |
| [removed] | b. | Empathic understanding |
| [removed] | c. | Immediacy |
| [removed] | d. | Self-actualization |
2 points
QUESTION 4
1. The three people credited for the development of Gestalt therapy are:
| [removed] | a. | Perls, Burber, and Nitche |
| [removed] | b. | Perls, Perls, and Goodman |
| [removed] | c. | Rogers, Glassman, and Goodman |
| [removed] | d. | Perls, Kohler, and Koffka |
2 points
QUESTION 5
1. As a person becomes more congruent, which of the following changes is most likely to be seen?
| [removed] | a. | Elimination of negative thoughts |
| [removed] | b. | Eradication of problem behaviors |
| [removed] | c. | Greater self-empowerment |
| [removed] | d. | Success in a failing relationship |
2 points
QUESTION 6
1. All of the following are existential philosophers except:
| [removed] | a. | Sartre |
| [removed] | b. | Heidegger |
| [removed] | c. | Tillich |
| [removed] | d. | Bion |
2 points
QUESTION 7
1. Accurate _______ means that the counselor is able to both understand the client’s words, feelings, and perceptions of the world and communicate that understanding successfully.
| [removed] | a. | empathy |
| [removed] | b. | congruence |
| [removed] | c. | unconditional positive regard |
| [removed] | d. | genuineness |
2 points
QUESTION 8
1. In existential counseling, the client is
| [removed] | a. | An existential partner with the counselor |
| [removed] | b. | A student learning from a teacher |
| [removed] | c. | Analyzed by the counselor |
| [removed] | d. | None of the above |
2 points
QUESTION 9
1. Which of the following is descriptive of what “closure” means in existential counseling?
| [removed] | a. | Facing the end of the helping relationship is the final confrontation with reality. |
| [removed] | b. | It means stopping therapy at the end of the semester at a counseling center. |
| [removed] | c. | It is when counselors close out all of their files. |
| [removed] | d. | It is a relatively unimportant part of counseling. |
2 points
QUESTION 10
1. According to person-centered theory, for someone to be continuously believed and trusted by a client they must:
| [removed] | a. | years of professional experience |
| [removed] | b. | be genuine |
| [removed] | c. | know the right questions to ask |
| [removed] | d. | not make mistakes |
2 points
QUESTION 11
1. A criticism of person-centered counseling or therapy is:
| [removed] | a. | Its deterministic stance |
| [removed] | b. | Rigid steps in the counseling or therapy process |
| [removed] | c. | Too few specifics regarding actions for the new counselor or therapist |
| [removed] | d. | Overly confrontational |
2 points
QUESTION 12
1. Perls:
| [removed] | a. | Had a passionate belief in the holistic nature of humankind |
| [removed] | b. | Believed that human beings had the capacity and strength to grow, develop, and to become the persons that they desired |
| [removed] | c. | Asked clients to focus on why they behaved in certain ways |
| [removed] | d. | Both “a” and “b” above |
2 points
QUESTION 13
1. The word Gestalt is a German term that means:
| [removed] | a. | Counselor/client working alliance |
| [removed] | b. | Existential anxiety |
| [removed] | c. | The integration of parts into a perceptual whole |
| [removed] | d. | The phenomenological field |
2 points
QUESTION 14
1. Active listening includes which of the following?
| [removed] | a. | Making good eye contact |
| [removed] | b. | Leaning toward the client |
| [removed] | c. | Facing the client |
| [removed] | d. | All of the above |
2 points
Assignment: Humanistic/Existential Theories
QUESTION 15
1. The study of human experience through attending to the subjective observations of individuals is:
| [removed] | a. | Retroflection |
| [removed] | b. | Empty chair |
| [removed] | c. | Boundary disturbance |
| [removed] | d. | Phenomenology |
2 points
QUESTION 16
1. The most important factor in the therapeutic alliance is the:
| [removed] | a. | Quality and nature of the relationship between counselor or therapist and client |
| [removed] | b. | Counselor’s or therapist’s skills |
| [removed] | c. | Client’s willingness to work hard |
| [removed] | d. | Depth of the problems being experienced |
2 points
QUESTION 17
1. A phenomenological perspective:
| [removed] | a. | Describes the concept that all persons view the world in a similar manner |
| [removed] | b. | Describes the concept that all persons have a unique perspective |
| [removed] | c. | Describes the concept of the “I-Thou” relationship |
| [removed] | d. | None of the above |
2 points
QUESTION 18
1. Which of the following is not one of the three approaches to existential counseling?
| [removed] | a. | Dynamic existentialism |
| [removed] | b. | Humanistic existentialism |
| [removed] | c. | Cognitive/behavioral existentialism |
| [removed] | d. | Transpersonal existentialism |
2 points
QUESTION 19
1. Which of the following is not a goal of existential counseling:
| [removed] | a. | Confronting anxieties about the givens of existence |
| [removed] | b. | Developing meaning from everyday life |
| [removed] | c. | Confronting irrational thoughts that lead to difficult emotions |
| [removed] | d. | Developing inner strength |
2 points
Assignment: Humanistic/Existential Theories
QUESTION 20
1. One of the views that Gestalt theory holds regarding the individual is that he or she is:
| [removed] | a. | Fully responsible for his/her behavior |
| [removed] | b. | Shaped by forces in the environment |
| [removed] | c. | Motivated by unconscious drives |
| [removed] | d. | Not able to become aware of himself or herself in the here and now |
2 points
QUESTION 21
1. The founder of person-centered counseling is:
| [removed] | a. | Carl Rogers |
| [removed] | b. | Victor Frankl |
| [removed] | c. | Fritz Perls |
| [removed] | d. | Rollo May |
2 points
QUESTION 22
1. Which of the following are major constructs of existentialism?
| [removed] | a. | Death |
| [removed] | b. | Freedom |
| [removed] | c. | Isolation |
| [removed] | d. | All of the above |
2 points
QUESTION 23
1. Which statement is most descriptive of Buber’s “I-Thou ” relationship?
| [removed] | a. | People speak about others, but seldom to them. |
| [removed] | b. | This relationship embodies a holy respect for the other person. |
| [removed] | c. | This relationship has little meaning, because there is little sense of self. |
| [removed] | d. | It shows a relationship that is condescending and not respectful. |
2 points
QUESTION 24
1. Awareness is the key to Gestalt therapy. Through awareness, the organism/person naturally proceeds toward:
| [removed] | a. | Growth |
| [removed] | b. | Integration |
| [removed] | c. | Differentiated unity |
| [removed] | d. | All of the above |
2 points
QUESTION 25
1. Change during Gestalt counseling and psychotherapy comes about as clients become more aware of themselves through:
| [removed] | a. | Using a continuum of awareness focused on how, what, and where |
| [removed] | b. | Using questions rather than statements |
| [removed] | c. | Using the third-person pronoun “they” |
| [removed] | d. | Addressing others indirectly |
2 points
ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CLASS
Discussion Questions (DQ)
- Initial responses to the DQ should address all components of the questions asked, including a minimum of one scholarly source, and be at least 250 words.
- Successful responses are substantive (i.e., add something new to the discussion, engage others in the discussion, well-developed idea) and include at least one scholarly source.
- One or two-sentence responses, simple statements of agreement, or “good post,” and responses that are off-topic will not count as substantive. Substantive responses should be at least 150 words.
- I encourage you to incorporate the readings from the week (as applicable) into your responses.
Weekly Participation
- Your initial responses to the mandatory DQ do not count toward participation and are graded separately.
- In addition to the DQ responses, you must post at least one reply to peers (or me) on three separate days, for a total of three replies.
- Participation posts do not require a scholarly source/citation (unless you cite someone else’s work).
- Part of your weekly participation includes viewing the weekly announcement and attesting to watching it in the comments. These announcements are made to ensure you understand everything that is due during the week.
APA Format and Writing Quality
- Familiarize yourself with APA format and practice using it correctly. It is used for most writing assignments for your degree. Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for APA paper templates, citation examples, tips, etc. Points will be deducted for poor use of APA format or absence of APA format (if required).
- Cite all sources of information! When in doubt, cite the source. Paraphrasing also requires a citation.
- I highly recommend using the APA Publication Manual, 6th edition.
Use of Direct Quotes
- I discourage overutilization of direct quotes in DQs and assignments at the Masters’s level and deduct points accordingly.
- As Masters’s level students, it is important that you be able to critically analyze and interpret information from journal articles and other resources. Simply restating someone else’s words does not demonstrate an understanding of the content or critical analysis of the content.
- It is best to paraphrase content and cite your source.
LopesWrite Policy
- For assignments that need to be submitted to LopesWrite, please be sure you have received your report and Similarity Index (SI) percentage BEFORE you do a “final submit” to me.
- Once you have received your report, please review it. This report will show you grammatical, punctuation, and spelling errors that can easily be fixed. Take the extra few minutes to review instead of getting counted off for these mistakes.
- Review your similarities. Did you forget to cite something? Did you not paraphrase well enough? Is your paper made up of someone else’s thoughts more than your own?
- Visit the Writing Center in the Student Success Center, under the Resources tab in LoudCloud for tips on improving your paper and SI score.
Late Policy
- The university’s policy on late assignments is 10% penalty PER DAY LATE. This also applies to late DQ replies.
- Please communicate with me if you anticipate having to submit an assignment late. I am happy to be flexible, with advance notice. We may be able to work out an extension based on extenuating circumstances.
- If you do not communicate with me before submitting an assignment late, the GCU late policy will be in effect.
- I do not accept assignments that are two or more weeks late unless we have worked out an extension.
- As per policy, no assignments are accepted after the last day of class. Any assignment submitted after midnight on the last day of class will not be accepted for grading.
Communication
- Communication is so very important. There are multiple ways to communicate with me:
- Questions to Instructor Forum: This is a great place to ask course content or assignment questions. If you have a question, there is a good chance one of your peers does as well. This is a public forum for the class.
- Individual Forum: This is a private forum to ask me questions or send me messages. This will be checked at least once every 24 hours.
