Assess The Difference Between Humanistic And Existential Theory

The essential foundation behind humanistic/existential theories is that they address the facts of life, humankind’s natural the life stages, “existence, purpose, meaning, and reason for being” that every person at one time or the other will go through from birth until death (Barclay, 2016, p. 108). Humanistic/existential theories are truly unlike traditional theories of the past, subsequently, the emphasis is placed mainly on a person’s ability to take control of their life vs. allowing life circumstances to control them. In addition, it places most of the attention on helping people understand that they are in full control of their lives and their behavior is all dependent on them—it is not life that controls what choices an individual make, but the personal choices a person makes during their earthly existence.

Humanistic theories and the HCAP model share goals that when blended and used
This is because people in general have their own way to see things, some believe perception may be influenced from earlier life “disturbances” (Barclay, 2016, p. 148-149). Like, the HCAP model, “Mental Optometry and Emotion vs. Truth” a person is directed to develop insightfulness based on actual happening and turns away from allowing the mind to be fooled by the unsettling inner feelings ensuring they learn to perceive life as it is full of bountiful vibrancy and never ending positive opportunities (Barclay, 2016, p. 156-157).

Reference
Barclay, T.H. (2016). Introduction to theories of counseling and psychotherapy: An integrative approach to putting theory into practice. Boston, MA: