Existential–Humanistic Therapy and Disaster Response: Lessons From the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically affected the mental health field. The unique distress caused by the pandemic along with the need for many to transition their therapy practices to TeleHealth/Telepsychology modalities caught many therapists, including existential–humanistic therapists, unprepared to make the necessary adjustments to treat clients in a manner that is safe and effective. Existential–humanistic therapy often is neglected with trauma and disaster relief work, despite its relevancy and important contributions. All therapies must adjust in crisis situations, particularly when adjustments to how services are offered are disrupted; however, the impact of these changes varies by therapeutic orientation. As an approach that values genuineness, empathy, and presence, existential–humanistic therapy faces unique challenges when employed with disaster response. However, when these challenges are faced, existential–humanistic therapy has much to offer disaster response, including consideration of existential guilt, existential shattering, existential anxiety, and existential perspectives on self-care.

A Stage 1 Pilot Cohort Exploring the Use of EMDR Therapy as a Videoconference Psychotherapy During COVID-19 With Frontline Mental Health Workers: A Proof of Concept Study Utilising a Virtual Blind 2 Therapist Protocol

“…Several comprehensive reviews highlight the effectiveness of videoconferencing psychotherapy (VCP) and therapist-guided interventions for conditions such as anxiety, major depressive disorders, and trauma ( Anderson et al, 2003 ; Ruskin et al, 2004 ; Christopher Frueh et al, 2007 ; Germain et al, 2010 ; Osenbach et al, 2013 ; Rousmaniere et al, 2014 ; Berryhill et al, 2018 , 2019 ; Karyotaki et al, 2018a , b ; Tuerk et al, 2018 ; Turgoose et al, 2018 ; Watts et al, 2020 ; Weinberg, 2020a ; Wind et al, 2020b ). Contemporary research supports VCP as “feasible” and “acceptable” as a mode of psychological treatment delivery, providing high satisfaction and effectiveness ( Simpson and Reid, 2014 ; Dores et al, 2020 ; Viswanathan et al, 2020 ; Weinberg, 2020b ; Wells et al, 2020 ; Wind et al, 2020b ; Wright and Caudill, 2020 ; Aafjes-van Doorn et al, 2021 ; Hoffman, 2021 ). Furthermore, VCP provides a viable alternative to providing continuity of care in times of social, economic, and health upheaval ( Crowe et al, 2020 ).…”

Addressing Challenges in Humanistic Communication During COVID-19 Through Medical Education

“…First, effective physician-patient communication is of the utmost importance during the pandemic. Therefore, it is important to teach medical students the humanistic ideal of presence, which refers to "aspects of awareness, acceptance, availability, and expressiveness" (Hoffman, 2020). Presence involves the physician and patient recognizing the role of one another and building a trusting relationship.…”

“…During times of uncertainty, such as a pandemic, it is crucial that this step not be diminished. Establishing a meaningful relationship is significant because it gives the patient a sense of safety and commitment for long-term follow-up care (Hoffman, 2020). Additionally, the physical presence of healthcare workers, much like gloves, masks, hand sanitizers, and ventilators, was of increased value and demand, as healthcare worker shortages were pronounced during the pandemic (Adams and Walls, 2020).…”

Researching online counselling and psychotherapy: The past, the present and the future

“…Robson & Robson, 1998; Williams et al., 2009) and ethical concerns related to managing risk appropriately (e.g. Hanley, 2006; Hoffman, 2020). These have been some of the core issues that have echoed time and time again within both the theoretical and empirical literature on the subject.…”

“…Robson & Robson, 1998;Williams et al, 2009) and ethical concerns related to managing risk appropriately (e.g. Hanley, 2006;Hoffman, 2020).…”