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Use Of Existential Therapists View Themselves As Companions

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Techniques Used Existential therapists view themselves as companions; not someone who is going teach and lead the individual to change because they view therapy as a journey client and therapist go through together. Each learning from one another and each having the same room and opportunity for growth. Van Deurzen explains “these practitioners prefer description, understanding, and exploration of the client’s subjective reality, as opposed to diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis” (as cited in Cory, 2013, p. 157). Meaning therapy is one example of an existential technique that incorporates evidence-based practices. Meaning therapy equips therapists with principles that help them empower clients to face their personal struggles, seek meaning in their life, and the tools to overcome those blocks preventing them from true happiness (Wong, 2010, p. 92). Even though therapists may borrow techniques from other models it is not a technique-oriented approach which is the complete opposite of CBT; “this is an active, directive, time-limited, present-centered, psychoeducational, structured therapy” (Cory, 2013, p. 485). CBT has a wide range of cognitive, emotive, and behavioral techniques to use. Some techniques include completing homework assignments, learning coping skills, role playing, imagery, skills training and many more. Although CBT treatments differ in their form and application, they all emphasize specific elements. As Ryan, Lynch, Vansteenkiste, and Deci clarify:

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