conceptualization-and-treatment-plan-Mandatory assignments-22.docx

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Conceptualization and Treatment

Plan

Theories Of Counseling (Liberty University)

CONCEPTUALIZATION AND TREAMTENT PLAN 1

CONCEPTUALIZATION AND TREATMENT PLAN

Maame P. Afrifa

Counselor Education and Family Studies, Liberty University

The Existential theory originated in the 19th century and was shaped by various key influencers.

These influencers were either philosophers or writers that provided major contributions that has

shaped existentialism. During the World War II era, many individuals began to display signs of

increased stress, anxiety, and depression. This attitude was created to ease these symptoms and

to place emphasis on human nature. Existential therapy allows for the client to focus on their

inner conflicts to help reshape their lives in a positive manner. Research shows that this

particular therapy can be implemented in the psychoanalytic process in different aspects. In

addition, integration of this therapy can help to alleviate high stress levels. However, this

between the counselor and the client. The existential psychotherapy method is conveyed is not

subjected to a singular method. However, it is depicted as a form of perspective towards the

psychotherapy process (Corey 2021). This perspective serves multiples purposes and can be

utilized in different according to the counselor’s preferred techniques. This therapy centers on

human nature and explores inner components such as stress, anxiety, separation, and a sense of

freedom (Corey 2021). The Existential theory allows client to the dissect these components,

reflect, and to search for the core meaning as it applies to their own life.

century influencers included Soren Kierkegaard and Friedrick Nietzsche. These major

developers are also writers. Key developers such as Rollo May, Martin Heidegger, Martin Buber,

Ludwig Binswanger, Irvin Yalom, Victor Frankl, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Medard Boss, played

major roles in shaping the existential therapy process (Corey 2021).

respect for the many aspects within humans. These can include cognitive, emotional, or even

physical aspects. The key developers believed that aspects such as self awareness, freedom,

anxiety, and finding purpose are attributed to human nature. James Bugental created the term

“existential-humanistic” psychotherapy, which provided a different perspective to the existential

movement (Corey 2021). Bugental valued the therapeutic process between the counselor and

the client.

therapeutic process essentially crafting a collaborative approach (Corey 2021). It is the

counselor’s responsibility to attain self-awareness regarding their clientele. This allowed

counselors to take on their role as the helper and to build or concentrate on their skills. On the

other hand, clients are allowed to take on their role and further deepen their understanding of

despair in such a profound manner and who understood that we condemn ourselves to despair

when we fail to become ourselves and when we betray our deepest inner values (p.10).

Kierkegaard’s contribution to existential therapy paved the way for more influencers to flourish

in this field. Life is what individuals make of it. On the other hand, Emmy van Deurzen

provided another key contribution to the existential therapy. Emmy Van Deurzen recognized the

potential in clients to build a sense of resilience or strength to tackle their past conflicts (Corey,

2021). As a result, this helped clients to identify core the problem within their lives.

on patients who exhibited stress-related symptoms (Stephenson & Hale, 2020). As a result,

Linda Stephenson, and Beverley Hale, found that existential psychoanalytic therapy helped to

decrease levels of stress as clients were able to gain a sense of self-control. However, limitations

to the utilization of existential therapy, holds that this approach may not work for all clients.

Each client carries different needs; therefore, it is highly important for practitioners to

encapsulate that understanding.

meant to be provided as a broad perceptive to the psychoanalytic process. This can be beneficial

spirits or entities (Conrad & Johnson, 2020). This also stems from Buddhist beliefs. As a result,

individuals from this culture have no desire to receive professional help from psychoanalysts or

counselors (Conrad & Johnson, 2020). As a counselor in training, it is highly crucial to gain self-

awareness especially in regard to my client’s cultural beliefs. I want to ensure that the client has

the space and comfortability to express themselves. According to my client’s culture, there may

have to be adjustments to their treatment plan. One size does not fit all. The existential provides

multicultural benefits, however, it may not work for every client that I may encounter in the

counseling field.

practitioners create a therapeutic plan that best suits their clientele, while taking the client’s

needs into consideration. This approach can help clients who are undergoing a crisis or stress-

like symptoms. This can include natural disasters, suicidal tendencies, violence, crippling

anxiety, etc. Many individuals went through some form of a crisis during the COVID-19

pandemic. Some individuals lost their sense of meaning or purpose in this life. According to

Hoffman (2021), “Meaning, therefore, should be a natural source of self-care for existential-

humanistic therapists” (p.48). Existential-humanistic therapy can be deemed as a helpful

yoke a slavery” (biblegateway). Christ desires freedom for all individuals, but it is up these

individuals to lean on Christ’s understanding.

however they see fit. The second compatibility is meaning. Jeremiah 29:11 conveys that “For I

know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you,

plans to give you hope and future” (biblegateway). The goal of Existential therapy is for clients

to essentially find their sense of meaning in life. The Lord also proclaims this in the book of

Jeremiah and does not wish for hopelessness for human beings.

“Let us examine our ways and test them and let us return to the Lord” (biblegateway). The Lord

tells us to be self-aware of all aspects of ourselves and to lean on Christ. In addition, the

existential approach motivates clients to become fully aware of their inner conflicts and to

embrace them. The first incompatibility with Christianity is aloneness.

it is to their therapeutic process (Corey, 2021). However, from a biblical perspective, an

individual is not alone in their journey if they stand by Christ. The second incompatibility with

Christianity is relationship with others. The existential approach acknowledges understands the

which has led to a few instances of panic attacks. Mr. Stark feels an immense responsibility to

save the world which resulted in severe anxiety and lack of personal functioning. Mr. Stark also

suffers from depression and prefers to be alone. As a result, this depression has a negative

result on Mr. Stark’s relationship with Ms. Pepper Potts. Tony Stark also depicts great

difficulty with occupation functioning, specifically, with members of his team, such as Captain

Steve Rodgers.

Step Two

Through assessments with Mr. Stark, cognitively, Stark struggles with racing and troubling

thoughts, that leads into severe anxiety. According to Stark, these thoughts can become

irrational. These troubling thoughts result in a negative effect on Stark’s mental state and leads to

higher levels of stress or anxiety. Mr. Stark’s behavioral pattern to mentally shutdown, as a

result, can lead to disturbances in his personal relationship with Ms. Potts. This can also

negatively affect his work performance at his profession. Essentially, Mr. Stark suffers from

severe anxiety, depression, and suffers from heart complications from time to time due to the

simple daily decisions and to arrive to work on time. However, extreme life decisions that

involves the fate of the world, attributes to extreme anxiety and leads into panic attacks. On the

other hand, the client expresses his immense love for high significant other, Ms. Potts. Mr. Stark

understands that he feels a responsibility to take care of Ms. Potts, however, he neglects to care

for himself properly. This leads to distance in their current relationship and has lead to moments

of depression. Existential therapy will allow Mr. Stark to recognize all aspects of his internal

self and find the freedom to gain control of his life once again.

Step Four