Question

An adolescent started therapy a week back. Based on formulating the adolescent's problem, the therapist feels that the boy will be capable of arriving at solutions through a process of personal growth. The therapist's approach to therapy is in an accepting environment. Identify the type of therapy being provided:

• A. Cognitive
• B. Behavioral
• C. Existential
• D. Psychodynamic

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To identify the type of therapy being provided, we need to analyze the details of the therapeutic approach described. The therapist’s approach involves: 

• A focus on the adolescent arriving at solutions through personal growth.
• The establishment of an accepting environment for the therapy.

Given these characteristics, we can deduce that the therapy is:

• Existential Therapy. This form of therapy emphasizes personal responsibility, freedom of choice, and finding meaning in life, all within an accepting therapeutic environment.

In contrast, the other options are characterized as follows:

• Cognitive Therapy: Focuses on changing negative thought patterns.
• Behavioral Therapy: Centers on modifying harmful behaviors.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Involves exploring unconscious processes and early experiences.

The description clearly aligns with the principles of Existential Therapy.

Answer 2

The therapy being provided is Existential therapy. This approach emphasizes personal growth, self-awareness, and the individual’s capacity to make meaningful choices.

The therapist’s belief that the adolescent can arrive at solutions reflects the core idea of existential therapy, which focuses on helping individuals understand their existence and find personal meaning in their experiences.

The mention of an accepting environment further supports this, as existential therapy values a safe, non-judgmental space for clients to explore their thoughts and feelings, allowing them to find meaning in their lives.

Other options:

Cognitive therapy: Focuses on changing negative thought patterns and cognitive distortions, helping individuals reframe their thinking to improve their emotional state.

Behavioral therapy: Emphasizes modifying specific behaviors through techniques such as reinforcement or punishment, aiming to change maladaptive behaviors directly.

Psychodynamic therapy: Involves exploring unconscious processes and childhood experiences to understand present behavior and gain insight into unresolved conflicts.

The correct therapy in this scenario is Existential therapy, as it centers on helping individuals explore and find meaning in their lives.