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What are the different types of psychotherapy? Explain the principles on which humanistic existential therapy is based.

Psychotherapy is a voluntary relationship between the client or the therapist.

1. Different types of Psychotherapy -
2. Psychodynamic psychotherapy
3. Behaviour Psychotherapy
4. Existential Psychotherapy

Principles underlie humanistic existential psychotherapy

Postulates that psychological distress arises from feelings of loneliness, alienation and an ability to find meaning and genuine fulfilment in life.

Human beings are motivated by the desire for personal growth and self-actualisation, and an innate need to grow emotionally. When these needs are clubbed by society and family human beings experience psychological distress. The frustration of self-actualisation also causes distress.

Self actualisation requires free emotional expression. The family and society curb emotional expression. This curb leads to destructive behaviour and negative emotions by thwarting the process of emotional integration.

The therapy creates a permissive non-judgemental and accepting atmosphere in which the client’s emotions can be freely expressed and the complexity, balance and integration could be achieved. The chief aim of the therapy is to expand the client awareness.