This document outlines three theoretical approaches to therapy: existential therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and reality therapy. Existential therapy focuses on self-awareness, freedom, responsibility, identity, meaning and relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy emphasizes changing cognitions to alter affect and behavior through a collaborative relationship. Reality therapy emphasizes choice, responsibility, relating symptoms to present issues, and setting short- and long-term goals. The common elements across approaches include setting a goal, finding multiple solutions rather than a quick fix, and an interactive friendly relationship.

1. THEORETICAL
APPROACH

2. THE THEORIES
Existential Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Reality Therapy

3. EXITENTIAL THERAPY
The Basic Dimensions of a Human
1. Capacity for Self-Awareness
2. Freedom and Responsibility
3. Creating One’s Identity and Establishing
Meaningful Relationships with Others
4. Search for Meaning, Purpose, Values, and Goals
5. Anxiety is a Condition of Living
6. Awareness of Death and Non-Being

4. COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Shared Attributes
1. A Collaborative Relationship Between Client and
Therapist
2. The Premise that Psychological Distress is
Largely a Function of Disturbances in Cognitive
Processes
3. A Focus on Changing Cognitions to Produce
Desire Changes in Affect and Behavior
4. A Generally Time-Limited and Education
Treatment Focusing on Specific and Structured
Target Problems

5. REBT
• Our Emotions Stem Mainly From Our Beliefs,
Evaluations, Interpretations, and Reactions to
Life Situations
– People Contribute to Their Own Psychological
Problems by the Way They Interpret Events and
Situations
– Cognitions, Emotions, and Behaviors Interact
Significantly and Have a Reciprocal Cause-and-
Effect Relationship

6. REALITY THERAPY
• Emphasis on Choice and Responsibility
• Therapists Strive to be Themselves in their
Professional Work, by Being Themselves, They
Can Use the Relationship to Teach Clients How
to Relate to Others in Their Lives.
• Helping Clients Relate Their Symptoms to
Present Issues
• Focus Treatment Planning on Both Short- and
Long-Term Goals.

7. THE COMMON DENOMINATORS
• Setting a Goal
• Multiple Solutions to Find a Quick Fix
• Interactive and Friendly