Counselor Education Comprehensive Exam (CECE) Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT considered a humanistic-existential theory?

1. Client-centered counseling

2. Gestalt Therapy

3. Logotherapy

4. Reality therapy

The correct answer is: Client-centered counseling

While client-centered counseling is indeed a significant humanistic approach developed by Carl Rogers, the question requires identifying which of the listed therapies does not fall under humanistic-existential theories. The correct answer relates to reality therapy. This approach, developed by William Glasser, is based on the premise that behavior is driven by an individual’s need to satisfy five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. Reality therapy focuses on helping individuals gain awareness of their behavior and how it aligns with their needs, but it does so with a more behavioral and cognitive framework rather than the more philosophical and existential underpinnings found in truly humanistic-existential therapies. In contrast, client-centered counseling emphasizes the importance of providing a non-directive, empathic environment in which clients can explore their feelings and self-concept. Gestalt therapy centers on awareness and here-and-now experiences, promoting personal responsibility and self-acceptance. Logotherapy, developed by Viktor Frankl, specifically addresses issues of meaning and purpose in life, aligning closely with existential philosophy. Thus, reality therapy stands apart from these humanistic-existential approaches, which focus more on self-actualization and the subjective experience of individuals rather than a systematic approach to behavioral change