Case Conceptualization with Existential Psychotherapy: A Discussion on Its Application and Effectiveness

In this document we will discuss about Case Conceptualization with Existential Psychotherapy and below are the summary points of this document:- Case study of Dr. Gregory House analyzed using existential theory Existential theory's efficacy in addressing depression, addiction, and anxiety Existential therapy promotes personal growth, development, and improved relationships

Running Head: PSYCHOLOGY 1
Existential Theory
Author's Name
Institutional Affiliation
Abstract

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The paper offers a case conceptualization using existential theory and discusses the case
of Dr. Gregory House from the television show “HOUSE.” The paper offers an explanation of
Existential Theory and its efficacy when dealing with depression, addiction, and anxiety. There
are potential ethical issues and multicultural issues that may arise with the theory. After making a
synopsis about the present problems in the client’s case, three effective interventions are
designed based on the existential theory. The intervention techniques are described to explain
how they will help address the identified problems of depression and substance abuse in the
client. Finally, spiritual application in counseling is discussed and if it is compatible with the
Existential Theory. The objective of the paper is to understand the Existential Theory and discuss
its application and effectiveness in psychotherapy and counseling. Existential theory-based
interventions work as an effective therapeutic technique that promotes the clients’ personal
growth and development as well as improves his relationship with his counselor and others
around him.
Introduction

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Case Conceptualization with existential psychotherapy
Psychotherapy and philosophical counseling have been evolving in different professions
in parallel and helping counselors and psychologists, There are different methods of
psychotherapy, and existential psychotherapy is one of them. Existential psychotherapy is based
on the framework of Existential Theory that seeks the existential meaning behind the issue
(Popescu,2015). The concept of existential therapy refers to the conscious feelings and thoughts
expressed by an individual honestly and discover true meaning and authenticity (SAMHSA,
2017).
Who is/are the developer(s) of the theory?
Abraham Maslow promoted the notion of “self-actualization,” and promoted the
Existential therapy as a humanistic theory (SAMHSA, 2017). Carl Rogers framed person-
centered therapy while Fritz Perls focused on Gestalt therapy. Association for Humanistic
Psychology (AHP) was founded by Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, Rollo May, Charlotte Buhler
and other initiators of the personal development movement as a forum for sharing information
(SAMHSA, 2017).
What did they believe about human nature and the counseling process?
Humanistic psychologists argue that humans are a lot more than the assembly of
behaviors and humanistic psychology is described as holistic. The holistic, humanistic approach
interrelates to the biological, social, psychological and spiritual dimensions (SAMHSA, 2017).
Existentialism is seen as an existential attitude and a way of life.
Explain any research that has been done showing the efficacy of this theory.
National Health Service (NHS) clinicians and patients involved in humanistic and
phenomenological approaches report higher effectiveness of Existential Therapy (Stephenson &

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Hale,2017).
What diagnoses has this theory been shown to be effective with (depression, anxiety, etc.)?
Existential therapy is most useful for an individual needing help with his emotional
experiences. The theory is useful as it includes empathy, reflective listening, reassurance
of affect, and recognition of the subjective experience of the client and thus helps establish a
rapport (SAMHSA, 2017). These therapies can work as lifelong journeys of growth and
improvement when focusing on the more significant issues in life.
What makes this theory appropriate for your client and their presenting problems you
noted in the first paper?
As existential therapies infiltrate at a deeper level, it can help reach the void experienced
by the client. Encouraged by the counselor’s empathy and acceptance, the client can be given
new opportunities to make new existential choices to get over his problem. Thus, this theory is
appropriate for the client in the current case as he has issues of addiction, isolation, and
depression.
What are any potential ethical issues that may arise using this theory with your client?
Existential therapy practice may give rise to a lot of ethical and moral dilemmas. The
potential ethical issues that may arise if further counseling and treatment are required to foster
abstinence and solve his personal problems. His counselor needs to make a division between
what is ethical, what is legal and what is moral as asserted by Popescu (2015). Tensions may
arise because of psychiatrists’ obligations towards the patient and to the society and other health
care coworkers. The issue of confidentiality and the difference between privacy and legal right is
often a major ethical dilemma for the psychotherapist as stated by Vyskocilová, & Prasko, 2013).

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What are any potential multicultural issues that may arise using this theory with your
client?
Potential multicultural issues may arise if the counselor lacks in multicultural counseling
competencies. Therapists and counselors with better multicultural awareness and knowledge
show improved multicultural counseling competencies and better results when dealing with
diverse populations with ethnic differences (Berger, Zane, & Hwang, 2014).
Can this theory be used in crisis situations? Why or why not?
Existential therapy practice can be used in a crisis and for patients dealing with recent
stressful events or traumatic losses in life (SAMHSA, 2017). The client needs support to
overcome any obstacles due to disturbed emotional experiences or when feeling helpless.
Case Summary and Presenting Problems
The current case, Dr. Gregory House seeks counseling to deal with issues of substance
abuse, alcohol abuse, and feelings of isolation and sadness. He is heavily dependent on
painkillers and struggles with his body image from the surgery and is conscious that he is not
able to maintain his previous active lifestyle. The client needs treatment to overcome his
addiction, depression and anxiety symptoms.
Three different Interventions
Existential therapy is an effective base for treatment for clients with substance addiction
and anxiety issues. It creates a safe space for one to explore their existential issues of freedom,
anxiety and the meaning of life (Liskin.2016). The objective of the treatment for Dr. House is
the management of addiction and a reduction of depressive symptoms and maintain social and
interpersonal relationships. An existential perspective would be adopted to explore issues of
identity, meaning, and purpose and it would form a base for cognitive behavioral and

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Psychodynamic interventions. In Dr. House’s case, the counselor should be empathic and help
reinforce his identity and self-importance in his daily life.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Adolescent depression is related to interpersonal problems and substance abuse. The
evidence-based interventions such as cognitive-behavioral treatments are found to be most
effective in reducing problematic behavior and substance usage in adolescents (Müller, Rohde,
Gau, & Stice,2015). Thus, cognitive approaches would be the treatment of choice to the
treatment of choice in Dr. House.
- 3 to 6 months of active listening and helping to the client and help him understand the
consequences of substance abuse behavior. Set intermediate goals to maintain new behaviors and
keep away from the triggers.
Interpersonal therapy
Interpersonal therapy focuses on locating the root problems and resolving them to
establish and maintain relationships (Health Quality Ontario, 2017). The focus is on the conflicts
and changes in the clients’ life and dealing with social pressures.
-3 to 6 months of Interpersonal therapy sessions to explore the symptoms due to
substance use and lower addiction with communication and encouragement.
Family Supportive therapy
During the Supportive therapy, the therapist serves as a reflection, empathic listener and
motivator. When the interpersonal therapist actively listens to Dr. House and offers support to
deal with his problems and concerns, it would help to lower the discomfort and depression in his
life and help him to cope with his current circumstances. The therapy would help improve

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communication patterns between the client and his family and develop problem-solving skills
(SAMHSA, 2017).
-3 to 6 months of Family Supportive therapy to provide support and lower guilt and
modify his the environment at home with the help of family members for continued
encouragement and reassurance.
Spiritual Application
Spiritual application to counseling is fast gaining acceptance and importance. Effective
counseling means to address the patient wholly and treat not just his body and mind but the spirit
too. The field of counseling is taking a widespread interest in spirituality and counselors
recognize the importance of spiritual issues in counseling practice (Corey, n.d.).
Spiritual challenges in this case
The clients’ religious and spiritual issues can pose as problems in this case as the current
ethical standards fail to address specific concerns regarding awareness of religious and spiritual
issues (Frame, 2000). The counselors must consider religious and spiritual sides of Dr. House
and his well-being to promote therapeutic change. In case the client is interested in having
Christian Counseling as part of the treatment plan, it would be essential that the therapists
employ spiritual interventions based on the Christian belief systems that world well within the
client’s value system. Christian counselors and psychotherapists are concerned about
understanding human conditions and alleviating human suffering. Even though Christians
approach psychology with the belief of all knowledge in Christ, it becomes challenging to suffice
the fragmented and diverse field of psychology (Jones, and Butman 2011).
Compatibility of Existential psychotherapy with Christian beliefs

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The existential therapy is a unique therapeutic method that employs a thoughtful
approach to treat the clients. Existential psychotherapy is both compatible and non-compatible
with Christian beliefs. Existential psychotherapy is similar with Christian beliefs as both pursue
the meaning of life, the purpose of life and stress on a deeper understanding of self. Some areas
where existential psychotherapy is not compatible with Christian beliefs is that Christians believe
that the self-identity lies with God. Existential therapy emphasizes self-originating answers,
unlike Christianity. The existential therapist promotes a non-Christian idea that morality is
inherent (Kee, 2015).
Conclusion
The outcomes of using existential therapy are expected to be positive in Dr. House’s case.
Although his case is a challenging one, the interventions based on existential therapy are sure to
lead to positive outcomes over time. Addiction is often because of losing the focus and meaning
in life and boredom and loneliness. The existential-centered therapy, in this case, will help the
client to rediscover the meaning of his existence and life and make sense of the reason behind the
addiction. The effective interventions will help develop defensive coping skills in the client and
motivate him to recognize internal conflicts and abstain from addictive behavior.

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References
Berger, L. K., Zane, N., & Hwang, W. C. (2014). Therapist Ethnicity and Treatment Orientation
Differences in Multicultural Counseling Competencies. Asian American journal of
psychology, 5(1), 53-65.
Corey, G. (n.d.). Integrating Spirituality in Counseling Practice. ACA Knowledge center, 1(1),
117–118.
Frame, M.W. (2000). Spiritual and Religious Issues in Counseling: Ethical Considerations. The
Family Journal: Counseling And Therapy For Couples And Families, 1(1), 72–74.
Health Quality Ontario (2017). Psychotherapy for Major Depressive Disorder and Generalized
Anxiety Disorder: A Health Technology Assessment. Ontario health technology
assessment series, 17(15), 1-167.
Jones, S.L. and Butman R.E. (2011). Modern Psychotherapies: A Comprehensive Christian
Appraisal. InterVarsity Press, 1(1), 1-496.
Kee, J.A. (2015). Existential Therapy: An Introduction and Critique. Dallas Baptist University,
1(1), 1–14.
Liskin.S.(2016). An Exploration of Existential Group Art Therapyfor Substance Abuse Clients
with a History of Trauma. Loyola Marymount University, 1(1), 1–121.
Müller, S., Rohde, P., Gau, J. M., & Stice, E. (2015). Moderators of the effects of indicated
group and bibliotherapy cognitive behavioral depression prevention programs on
adolescents' depressive symptoms and depressive disorder onset. Behaviour research and
therapy, 75, 1-10.

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Popescu B. A. (2015). Moral Dilemmas and Existential Issues Encountered Both in
Psychotherapy and Philosophical Counseling Practices. Europe's journal of psychology,
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SAMHSA (2017). Brief Humanistic and Existential Therapies. Center for Substance Abuse
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Phenomenological Therapy as a U.K. NHS Psychological Treatment Intervention.
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Vyskocilová, J., & Prasko, J. (2013). Ethical questions and dilemmas in psychotherapy. Activitas
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