Question

Now that you have watched the Yalom therapy session consider the following to deepen your thoughts about Humanistic Therapy:

How does this treatment differ from a cognitive-behavioral approach? How would a CBT therapist have treated this woman? Be as specific as possible, using examples from the video to "re-treat" her using CBT, and explain how CBT differs from Yalom's humanistic approach.

Then, reflect on one of the humanistic credos "It is the relationship that heals." Yalom felt that he should have a therapeutic relationship with his clients that was highly authentic, consisting of deep caring and empathy, even if the client was a criminal - he called that unconditional positive regard. What kinds of barriers might you have to get past to give others unconditional positive regard if you were treating clients in a prison setting?

Once you have completed your initial post of 150-250 words, read and reply to at least two other posts (substantial replies should be at least 40 words each).

Answer 1

Yalom therapy talks about importance of hope. It says that hope is very important for getting optimistic in life. It also provides a belief that we are not alone and we feel more empowered. If a person starts feeling alone and depressed then chances of getting healed are reduced with significant factor.

Cognitive behavior therapy mainly focuses on skill development. It helps in changing the thinking patterns. It also changes the style of problem solving. It basically talks about making certain positive changes in behavior of a person who is facing problems at various stages of life.

There remains a need to focus on present problems. We should not care about the root causes of problems. We should focus on various approaches for creating an environment in which a person can feel motivated to solve any problem by utilizing his/her own skills.

We should focus on problem solving approach. Support at various levels should be provided so that strengthened thoughts can be consolidated with a positive attitude.