topic 3 dq 1 peer

Areli Esqueda Rivera

Hi, 

Yes, it is both possible and clinically valuable to combine client-centered and existential approaches in counseling because they share compatible philosophical foundations. Both emphasize the client’s subjective experience, autonomy, and capacity for growth. According to Murdock (2025), client-centered therapy focuses on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence, which foster a safe and trusting therapeutic relationship. Existential therapy complements this by addressing deeper concerns such as meaning, freedom, responsibility, and mortality. Because both approaches value authenticity and self-awareness, they can be effectively integrated. A combined approach might begin with establishing a strong therapeutic alliance through client-centered principles. The counselor creates a nonjudgmental and empathetic environment where the client feels heard and accepted. Within this supportive space, existential themes can be explored more deeply. For example, the therapist may help the client examine life choices, confront anxiety about purpose, or explore personal responsibility, while still maintaining a nondirective stance. This allows existential insights to emerge naturally rather than being imposed. Brownell and Doric (2023) support integrative approaches by highlighting the importance of meaning-making and spiritual dimensions in therapy. Their work suggests that addressing existential concerns alongside emotional support leads to more holistic care. Overall, integrating these approaches promotes both emotional safety and deeper self-exploration, making counseling more comprehensive and transformative.

Areli, 

References:

Brownell, P., & Doric, J. Z. (2023). Postsecular, spiritually integrated gestalt therapy. In Handbook of spiritually integrated psychotherapies (pp. 99–118). American Psychological Association.  https://doi.org/10.1037/0000338-005

Murdock, N. L. (2025). Theories of counseling and psychotherapy: A case approach (5th ed.). Pearson.