The problem of crime is a complex one, and there are many different psychological approaches that can be taken in order to try to understand and address it. One such approach is existential therapy, which focuses on the individual’s sense of meaning and purpose in life.
Existential therapy has been found to be particularly effective with offenders, as it helps them to confront the reality of their situation and to take responsibility for their own choices. This can be a difficult and challenging process, but it can ultimately lead to positive change.
In this case study, we will explore how existential therapy was used with a young man who had committed a serious crime. We will see how the therapist helped him to come to terms with his actions and to make a decision about his future.
The young man in this case study had been involved in a serious crime. He was facing a long prison sentence and was feeling overwhelmed by the prospect. He felt that his life was over and that there was no hope for him.
The therapist began by helping him to understand the gravity of his situation. They discussed the consequences of his actions and helped him to see how they had affected others. The therapist then helped him to explore his own values and beliefs, and to consider what it is that he really wants from life.
The young man slowly began to realize that he did not want to spend the rest of his life in prison. He began to see that he had a choice, and that he could make a different decision. With the help of the therapist, he began to plan for his future.
The young man in this case study made a decision to change his life. He recognized that he had been given a second chance, and he was determined to make the most of it. Existential therapy was instrumental in helping him to do this, by providing him with a space to confront his past and to consider his future.
Existential therapy and schema-focused cognitive behavior therapy have both been proven to be successful, especially with individuals who are institutionalized. While existential therapy strives to assist people in finding significance in their lives and overcoming problems by providing long-term help, SFBT tries to stimulate brief treatment for clients so that they may address future difficulties (Corey, 2013).
In this case study, we will look at how existential therapy was used with a client who was facing a crisis due to crime.
The client, we will call him John, had been accused of a crime and was facing the possibility of imprisonment. He was feeling lost and confused, and did not know what to do or where to turn. In addition, he was feeling guilty and ashamed, and felt like he had let himself and his family down.
John met with an existential therapist who helped him to explore his options and to find meaning in his life. Through their conversations, John was able to come to terms with what had happened, and he decided to plead guilty to the crime. He also decided that he would use his time in prison to try and help others who were facing similar situations.
John’s story is just one example of how existential therapy can be used to help people in crisis. If you are facing a crisis, or if you know someone who is, then existential therapy may be able to help.
Considering the nature of the two treatments, it becomes obvious why they would complement patients who are in institutions. When utilized with people incarcerated in prisons, SFBT has been observed to be helpful. Lindforss and Magnusson (1997) conducted a research to evaluate the efficacy of SFBT among Swedish prisoners at Hageby Prison.
The study found that there was a decrease in recidivism rates, as well as an improvement in self-esteem and social skills. For existential therapy, Yalom (1995) has worked with many different populations in institutionalised settings such as prisons and psychiatric hospitals. He has found that his work leads to a decrease in anxiety and depression, as well as an increase in self-esteem and hope. These studies show that both existential therapy and SFBT can be effective when working with people who have been crime.
Both therapies also have a focus on the here and now, which can be helpful when working with people who have been through traumas such as crime. Many survivors of crime struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and both therapies can help people to deal with their symptoms. SFBT has a focus on the present and future, which can help people to move on from their trauma. Existential therapy also has a focus on the here and now, which can help people to come to terms with their trauma and make peace with it.
The theories of humanistic counseling suggest that the client is in charge of his or her own life and worldview, and that they have the power to change. Both theories place a strong emphasis on the client’s future and don’t focus as much on their clients’ problems from the past. They both think that there should be an honest and collaborative connection between clients and counselors, with the client in control of their own transformation. Both therapies also do not emphasize diagnosis.
Both theories do have different goals however. The goal of existential therapy is for the client to find meaning in their life, whereas the goal of crime-focused psychology is to prevent future crime. Existential therapy also focuses on the here-and-now and stresses the importance of free will and responsibility, while crime-focused psychology looks at past experiences and tries to understand why crime was committed.
Thus, existential therapy would be most appropriate for a client who is struggling to find meaning in their life, while crime-focused psychology would be more appropriate for a client who has already committed a crime and is trying to understand why they did so.
In contrast to SFBT, existential therapy lacks concrete techniques counselors can utilize with their clients. However, it serves as a strong foundation for an integrative approach due to the way it views its patients.
Existential therapy sees its clients as self-aware and capable individuals who are responsible for their future and able to chosen their own path in life. They only seek meaning in existence and anxieties are simply a part of being human that everyone experiences at some point or another..
The therapist using existential therapy would explore the client’s past experiences to help them understand how those experiences have impacted their current life. The therapist would also work with the client on resolving any unfinished business from the past and help the client make peace with it. The therapist would also help the client to find meaning in their life and to create a personal philosophy that would guide their future.
Existential therapy has been found to be helpful in treating clients who have committed crimes. In one study, existential therapy was found to be more effective than cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in reducing recidivism rates among offenders (Battaglia, 2012). Existential therapy was also found to be more effective than CBT in reducing anxiety and depression among offenders (Battaglia, 2012).
Existential therapy has also been found to be helpful in treating clients with anxiety disorders. In one study, existential therapy was found to be as effective as CBT in reducing anxiety symptoms (Pretorius, 2011). Existential therapy was also found to be more effective than CBT in reducing depression symptoms (Pretorius, 2011).
In conclusion, existential therapy is a valuable tool that can be used in an integrative approach to counseling. It is helpful in treating clients with a variety of issues, including crime and anxiety.
