Observational Study

(AAOS600)
Submitted to
Amity University, Uttar Pradesh

in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the award of the

degree of
Master of Arts (Counselling Psychology)

By

RESHMA P
(A1503324007)

Under the
guidance of
Dr. Smriti
Sethi
Asst. Professor (III)

Amity Institute of Psychology and Allied

Sciences Amity University, Sector-125
Noida (Uttar Pradesh) India
October, 2024

1
 DECLARATION

I, Reshma P D/o/S/o Udayakumar B certify that the work embodied in this

Term Paper was carried out by me under the supervision of Dr. Smriti Sethi at
Amity University, Uttar Pradesh. The work embodied in this project has not been
submitted for the award of any other degree or diploma except where due
acknowledgement has been made in the text. I, hereby declare that I have faithfully
acknowledged, given credit to and refereed to the research workers wherever their
works have been cited in the text and the body of dissertation. I further certify that I
have not wilfully lifted up some other’s work, para, text, data, results, etc. reported
in the journals, books, magazines, reports, dissertations, thesis etc. or available at
websites and included them in this dissertation and cited as my own work.

Reshma P

Amity University, Noida

2
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Prof. (Dr) Ranjana Bhatia, Head Director of Amity
Institute of Psychology and Allied Sciences, for her exceptional guidance and the
insightful task she entrusted me with. Dr Smriti Sethi mam’s support and
constructive feedback have been pivotal in shaping the depth of this project. Their
mentorship has enriched my knowledge and inspired a profound appreciation for the
subject matter. I want to thank my family for their unwavering support and
understanding throughout this academic journey. Their encouragement has been my
driving force. Additionally, I am indebted to my friends whose camaraderie and
encouragement made this endeavour a genuinely collaborative effort. Completing
this report is a testament to the collective efforts of these remarkable individuals.
Their belief in my capabilities has fuelled my determination to excel. This
achievement is not mine alone but a shared success with those who been my pillars
of strength.

Regards

Reshma P

A1503324070

Masters in Counselling Psychology

Batch 2024-2026

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CERTIFICATION

4
 OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Executive summary

I had the opportunity to intern at Mindlogs Psychological Services from August 20,

2024, to August 28, 2024, under the guidance of Dr. Sakshi Mehrotra and Mr. Vineeth

Tripathi. Mindlogs is renowned for its expertise in psychological counselling,

training, and consulting, with a distinct focus on a humanistic approach to therapy.

During my time there, I gained a comprehensive understanding of various therapeutic

modalities, particularly Existential Humanistic Therapy (EHT) and Client-Centred

Therapy, which provided me with a solid foundation in humanistic principles.

This internship was highly training-oriented and offered an immersive learning

experience, allowing me to enhance both my intrapersonal and interpersonal skills.

Through activities such as role plays, assignments, theoretical discussions, video

analyses, and case study reviews, I was able to actively engage in the therapeutic

process. These hands-on experiences helped me build my confidence, while also

providing valuable opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world

scenarios.

One of the most impactful aspects of the internship was learning about the

importance of both macro skills (like active listening and empathy) and micro skills

(such as non-verbal communication and questioning techniques) in therapy. I also

gained insights into how to navigate the complexities of client-therapist relationships

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and adapt to individual client needs. Additionally, I was able to further develop my

communication and observational skills, which are crucial for a career in psychology.

Overall, this internship was a rewarding and transformative experience. It not only

reinforced my passion for pursuing a career in psychology but also provided me with

the practical tools and confidence to continue growing as a future mental health

professional.

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

SNO. CONTENT PAGE NO.

1. Completion Certificate 4

2. Executive Summary 5

3. Introduction 9

4. Company Profile 16

5. Research Methodology 19

6. Case Studies 20

7. Conclusion 26

8. Learning Outcomes 28

9. References 29

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10. Annexures
● Daily Log Report
● WPR
● Daily Diary
● Organisation Feedback Form
● In & Out Sheet
● Plagiarism Report 30

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 INTRODUCTION

In 1968, American psychologist Abraham Maslow coined the term "third

force" to describe the humanistic approach to counselling, a relatively recent

development in psychology. Carl Rogers integrated humanistic philosophy into his

Person-Centred Therapy model, emphasizing acceptance, growth, and self-

actualization. While humanistic therapy focuses on personal development and

progress, existential therapy emphasizes the importance of client autonomy,

responsibility, and finding meaning in life.

Both existential and humanistic perspectives share the belief that individuals

possess self-awareness and free will, but they approach these concepts from different

angles. The humanistic viewpoint posits that human nature is fundamentally good,

with the capacity to build meaningful relationships and make choices that benefit

oneself and others. The goal of humanistic therapy is not to treat illness or alleviate

symptoms, but to help individuals overcome limiting beliefs and attitudes, enabling

them to lead more fulfilling lives. In this approach, therapists aim to foster a warm,

accepting therapeutic alliance, trusting that the client’s inner drive will lead to healthy

self-actualization.

In contrast, existential therapy focuses on helping clients make authentic,

responsible choices, particularly in the face of existential concerns such as isolation,

hopelessness, and the inevitability of death. It recognizes that challenges like fear of

loneliness and the search for meaning are central to the human experience, but also

acknowledges that free choice, creativity, love, and authenticity can offer paths to

personal growth and fulfilment, even amidst life’s uncertainties.

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 The merging of these two schools of thought led to the development of

Existential Humanistic Therapy (EHT). EHT emerged in the early 1960s in the

United States, following the publication of *Existence* by Rollo May and his

colleagues in 1958. This work coincided with the rise of humanistic psychology,

pioneered by Maslow and Rogers, which challenged the dominant therapeutic

paradigms of behaviourism and psychoanalysis.

According to Orah T. Krug, existential-humanistic therapy is an experiential

and relational approach that emphasizes the real, lived experiences of both the client

and therapist. The goal of EHT is to foster authentic encounters and meaningful

transformation through the therapeutic relationship, enhancing the client's awareness

and sense of purpose. By removing life-limiting barriers, this approach seeks to help

individuals experience greater happiness, fulfilment, and meaning. The existential-

humanistic movement owes much of its foundation to influential figures like Rollo

May, Maurice Friedman, James Bugental, and Irvin Yalom, who continue to shape its

principles and practice today.

Review of Literature

A study by Babakhani and Azami (2023) investigated the impact of existential

group therapy (EGT) on the quality of life and existential anxiety among older adults.

Using a pretest-post-test design with a control group, the study employed a quasi-

experimental methodology. The participants were seniors aged 60 to 85 from Aftab

Zenda’s social work clinic in Semiramis, Tehran, during the second quarter of 2019.

Convenience sampling was used to select 24 participants who met the inclusion

criteria, who were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the therapy sessions were conducted virtually over

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12 sessions, each lasting 90 minutes. The existential anxiety questionnaire by

Massoudi Sani and Bahmani, as well as the short-form quality-of-life questionnaire

by Weir and Sherbon, were used to measure key variables. Data analysis was

performed using univariate covariance (ANCOVA) in SPSS-21. The results revealed

no significant improvement in the participants' quality of life, but a notable reduction

in existential anxiety following the intervention. These findings suggest that EGT can

effectively reduce existential anxiety in older adults and may serve as a beneficial

treatment for mood disorders in this population.

Another study by Subedar et al. (2022) aimed to assess the effectiveness of

existential therapy in addressing anxiety among families of victims of death and

COVID-19. This semi-experimental study used a control group with pretest and post-

test designs. The study population consisted of individuals who visited the Isfahan

Welfare Organization in the latter half of 2020. A convenience sampling method was

employed to select 30 participants who met the research criteria, and they were then

randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental

group received 10 sessions of existential therapy. The participants' anxiety was

measured using the COVID-19 anxiety scale and the death anxiety scale. Data

analysis, performed using SPSS, included both covariance analysis and multivariate

repeated measures analysis of variance. The results showed that while existential

therapy did not significantly reduce physical anxiety associated with COVID-19, it

was effective in reducing mental anxiety related to COVID-19 and death anxiety (P >

0.0001). These findings highlight the potential of existential therapy in managing

mental health concerns related to existential and death-related anxiety.

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 Hurtubise et al. (2021) examined the impact of Philosophy for Children

(P4C), an existential therapy approach for children, on primary school students'

psychological need satisfaction and mental health. The study involved 57 students

from grades 1 to 3, who completed pre- and post-intervention questionnaires. A

randomized cluster trial with a waitlist control group was used to assess the impact of

P4C on students' mental health. ANCOVA analyses revealed that the P4C group

showed significantly lower levels of anxiety and higher autonomy scores compared to

the control group. These findings suggest that P4C may be a promising intervention

for improving autonomy and mental health among elementary school students.

Jafari et al. (2020) conducted a study to explore the effects of existential

humanistic therapy on Iranian couples' perceptions of love and life's meaning. The

study included 20 married couples who were referred for therapy, and they

participated in 13 sessions of psychotherapy. Data was analysed using MANOVA

multivariate analysis. The results showed that couples who underwent existential

therapy demonstrated a deeper understanding of life's purpose and exhibited more

positive attitudes towards love. This study highlights the potential of existential

humanistic therapy in fostering meaningful relationships and enhancing couples'

perceptions of life’s meaning.

In a study by Sadri Demi chi and Ramezani (2016), the impact of existential

therapy on feelings of loneliness and death anxiety among elderly individuals was

investigated. The study used a quasi-experimental design with a control group and

pretest-post-test assessment. The research sample consisted of elderly residents from

the Ara Centre’s nursing rehabilitation facility in Sunanda, Iran, during 2015-16. The

participants were selected based on their scores on loneliness and death anxiety

12
questionnaires. A total of 30 individuals were randomly assigned to experimental (n =

15) and control (n = 15) groups. The experimental group received 10 sessions of

existential therapy, while the control group did not receive any intervention. Post-test

results revealed that the experimental group experienced a significant reduction in

feelings of loneliness and death anxiety. These findings suggest the value of

existential therapy in addressing mental health concerns in older adults, particularly

in alleviating loneliness and existential fears related to death.

Significance

As an intern in this program, the significance of this opportunity is

substantial, offering me a chance to gain both theoretical knowledge and practical

experience in therapy. By engaging with key therapeutic principles, such as setting up

a private practice, initiating sessions with new clients, and building strong therapeutic

relationships, I will develop the foundational skills needed to become an effective and

confident therapist. These core aspects will prepare me for real-world clinical work,

providing me with the knowledge to manage the technical and interpersonal

dynamics of therapy.

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 The focus on Existential Humanistic Therapy (EHT), which blends existential

and humanistic theories, offers a valuable framework for understanding the human

experience. Through role-playing, activities, and observations, I will have the

opportunity to practice important concepts in EHT, such as self-actualization, the

"here and now" approach, and fostering authentic therapeutic relationships. This

hands-on practice will help me refine both "micro skills" (e.g., active listening,

empathy) and "macro skills" (e.g., managing the overall therapy process), all within a

supportive learning environment. Additionally, grappling with existential issues like

isolation, meaning, and responsibility will equip me to assist clients in navigating

life's uncertainties and developing greater self-awareness.

The internship’s emphasis on complex therapeutic concepts, including

anxiety, transference, attachment theory, and ethical considerations, is another

valuable aspect that will enhance my growth. Understanding how these dynamics

manifest in therapy will strengthen my ability to handle challenging therapeutic

moments and gain deeper insight into the factors influencing a client’s behavior.

Through case discussions, role plays, and real-time observations, I will develop a

more nuanced approach to therapy, helping me address clients’ needs with greater

empathy and understanding.

Another key component is learning case formulation and mental health

assessment. Gaining experience in taking comprehensive case histories, conducting

Mental Status Examinations (MSEs), and developing treatment plans will sharpen my

clinical judgment. Weekly case reviews will allow me to apply these skills in

practice, receive constructive feedback, and refine my approach to diagnosis and

treatment, ensuring that I can tailor interventions effectively and ethically.

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 The focus on self-reflection and understanding personal triggers is especially

meaningful for my development as a therapist. Reflecting on my own experiences

will help me identify any biases or emotional responses that could impact my work,

allowing me to remain empathetic and nonjudgmental with clients. This self-

awareness will also support my emotional resilience, ensuring I can manage the

challenges of therapy while maintaining professionalism.

In conclusion, this internship will provide me with a solid theoretical

foundation and valuable hands-on experience, helping me become a well-rounded

therapist. By engaging in real-world therapeutic situations and receiving constructive

feedback, I will be better prepared to work with clients in an authentic and effective

way. Ultimately, this experience will help me foster personal growth in my clients

and contribute meaningfully to their healing journeys.

Objectives of This Internship

The primary objectives of this internship are as follows:

• To build a solid foundation in the key principles of therapy and

counselling by engaging in in-depth discussions and applying concepts such

as "basics of therapy," "setting up a private practice," "opening a session

with a new client," "dos and don’ts of a therapist," and "building

therapeutic alliances."

• To introduce the conceptual framework of Existential Humanistic

Therapy (EHT) and practice its application through role plays, activities,

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 observations, and video discussions on essential therapeutic skills like "micro

skills," "macro skills," and the "here and now concept."

• To explore important therapeutic concepts such as "anxiety and

transference," "attachment theory," "establishing boundaries," "ethical

considerations," and "self-reflection and individual triggers," examining

how these factors influence therapy sessions through case discussions,

observation, activities, and role plays.

• To learn the process of case formulation, case history taking, and

Mental Status Examination (MSE) through weekly case discussions. The

internship will provide opportunities to practice these skills in a supportive

setting and receive constructive feedback to enhance the learning experience.

Company Profile

Founded with the goal of offering institutional and personal solutions for

people's optimisation, Mindlogs is a psychological counselling, training, and

consulting firm established in the year 2017. Mindlogs Psychological Services has

emerged as a formidable force in the realm of psychological well-being and personal

development. Their multifaceted approach encompasses a diverse range of services,

each meticulously designed to empower individuals, students, and organizations on

their journey towards excellence.

Their team consist of 7 members, With Dr Sakshi Mehrotra being the founder, two

Consultant And Trainer Ms.Sakshi Gidwani and Mr.Vineet Tripathi, followed by four

senior advisors Dr.Charu Talwar (she oversees Corporate Training and Human

Resource Optimisation processes), Ms.Rini Kaushal Parolia (She mentors Marital and

family therapy cases and trainings), Ms.Pallavi Poswal (She guides Child

16
Development related cases at Mindlogs) and Dr.Anurakti Mathur (She helps curate

Psychometric assessments and Organisational trainings).

At the heart of this organization lies a commitment to the profound impact of one-on-

one therapy. They understand that every individual's journey is unique, and stand as

unwavering pillars of support, guiding clients through the complexities of life's

challenges. Their team of seasoned therapists is dedicated to providing empathetic,

evidence-based, and personalized therapy that fosters healing, resilience, and personal

growth.

Mindlogs Psychological Services is not limited to individual well-being; they extend

their expertise to the world of academia. Their professional training programs for

students are crafted with the aim of nurturing the leaders of tomorrow. They equip

students with the essential life skills, emotional intelligence, and psychological

resilience necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Through these educational

initiatives, they empower students to excel not only in academics but also in life. In

the corporate landscape and educational institutions alike, Mindlogs Psychological

Services offers a comprehensive suite of psychological training and solutions. They

partner with organizations to enhance employee well-being, team dynamics, and

overall organizational health. Their bespoke solutions are tailored to address the

unique challenges faced by each entity, driving positive change, and optimizing

performance. VISION:

“To provide personal and institutional solutions for optimisation of individuals”.

MISSION:

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 “To provide psychological solutions for development of human elements across

organizations and institutions.”

SERVICES:

Mindlogs Psychological Services is a psychological counselling, training and

consultancy firm that offers a variety of services including:

• Counselling: One-on-one psychotherapy, marital and family therapy,

and well-being counselling.

• Training: Professional training and internship programs for aspiring

psychologists.

• Professional training/ Internship programs.

• Supervision sessions for practitioners.

• Consultancy and Training services for Organisations and educational

institutions.

RESPONSIBILITIES ASSIGNED:

The responsibilities assigned:

• to understand each and every concept and to solidify it through the role

plays of it.

• We were also assigned to challenge ourselves by performing various

self-exploratory activities.

• They also assigned me to complete reading a book titled “The gift of

therapy: an open letter to a new generation of therapists and their patients”.

• Also, each one of us were assigned to create a client intake form as a

practice for our future career.

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 RESEARCH METHOD

My research methodology incorporates both primary and secondary sources, as

outlined below:

 Primary sources were gathered through direct observation during my

internship, which involved activities such as role plays, daily diary entries, log

sheets, and discussions. These experiences provided firsthand insights into the

practical aspects of therapy and counselling.

 Secondary sources include a comprehensive review of relevant literature,

including videos, case studies, academic journals, and published articles,

which helped inform and contextualize the topic of my study. These sources

provided theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence to support the

research.

FINDINGS AND ANALYSIS

During the internship, we held weekly case study discussions. However, in

order to uphold ethical standards and ensure client confidentiality, we were not

allowed to directly observe or interact with the clients. Nevertheless, we engaged in

thorough discussions of various cases, and the key findings from these discussions

are presented below.

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CASE STUDY 1

Demographic details:

● Name: ABC

● Sex: Male

● Age: 30

● Marital status: Married

● Occupation: Mechanical engineer

● Address: Delhi

● Referral: Brother in law

Complaints and Duration

○ Client approached with chief complaints of anxiety (palpitations, sweaty

palms, and hyper alertness), brain fog, disinterest in day to day tasks,

increased sleep and decreased appetite.

○ Client is also not regular to his work place, starts having anxiety attacks as

soon as he reaches his workplace.

○ Client’s been experiencing these symptoms for 3-4 months now.

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 ● Formulation

Client Presentation:

The client presented with a constellation of symptoms indicative of anxiety and

depression, encompassing palpitations, perspiration, breathlessness, reduced appetite,

increased sleep, and decreased motivation for daily activities. These symptoms have

been prevalent for the past 34 months, significantly affecting the client's daily

functioning, particularly within the workplace. The client described a sense of

overwhelming anxiety and fear of judgment upon reaching the workplace, often

accompanied by palpitations and dizziness.

Additionally, the client reported recent marital issues, citing persistent criticism from

their mother regarding life decisions and perceived interference in the marriage.

These negative interactions with the mother parallel the client's experiences in the

workplace, where the awareness of their anxiety has heightened their sensitivity to

feedback and judgment from colleagues.

CASE STUDY 2

Demographic details:

● Name: TK

● Sex: Female

● Age: 25

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 ● Marital status: unmarried

● Occupation: doctor

● Address: Chandigarh

● Referral: Friend

Complaints and Duration

○ Client came in with the complaints of anxiety (palpitations, numbness in

overwhelmed state), sleep pattern in irregular and eating habits are also

irregular ( no proper meals and feeling full after eating less amount of food

only)

○ Client has been diagnosed with PTSD and is taking prescription from a

psychiatrist.

○ Client also has NSSI (Non-suicidal Self harm Ideation).

● Case Formulation

The client was referred to psychotherapy by her psychiatrist due to a diagnosis of

PostTraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The client presents with a range of

symptoms, including disrupted sleep patterns, reduced work motivation, and a loss of

appetite. Additionally, the client experiences heightened anxiety in social situations.

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In moments of overwhelming distress, the client reports experiencing numbness in

her extremities, such as her palms, legs, and face, and has exhibited self-harming

behaviours as a means of reconnecting with her emotions.

CASE STUDY 3

Demographic details: Demographic details:

Name: Wife(X) Name: Husband(Y)

Sex: Female Sex: Male

Age: 33 Age: 33

Marital status: Married Marital status: Single Married

Occupation: currently unemployed Occupation: Marketing Job

Address: Delhi Address: Delhi

Referral: Friend Referral: Friend

Complaints and Case formulation

This was a couple therapy session with a couple in their mid-30s. The wife

was diagnosed with OCD with a comorbidity of depression with mild depressive

episodes. The husband on the other hand left a few jobs mostly to comfort his wife

and was benevolent holding an old schooled leadership style and too confined. There

exists a vicious cycle in the case study which is as follows:

Wife’s experiences – body image issues + sexual assault in the past + catastrophizes

her man for not making time – Starts to shop in order to gain control over her anxiety

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– Her husband’s finance is pressurized or threatened as a consequence. To sum up,

the wife is compulsive, controlling, and hyper anxious. On the other hand, the man

operates from a molar level and is supportive.

CASE STUDY 4

Demographic details:

● Name: BC

● Sex: Male

● Age: 41

● Marital status: Single (divorced)

● Occupation: Corporate Job

● Address: Delhi

● Referral: Friend

Complaints and Case formulation

In his mid-20s, he spent his time in the corporate and was very successful. Got

married later and became a homemaker (a drastic shift in his role) while wife was

super independent and abusive towards him.

Got divorced later. Found another woman, got attached and began a fresh relationship

with her which seemed so much more promising than his previous relationship

however, this woman became the cofounder of a firm and low-key vanished from his

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life soon after. The finding was his deep insecurity and him feeling powerless when

women take over.

The core impressions of this case study included non-verbal cues that were very

important to take a note of such as little to no eye contact and super long pauses in

almost all the sessions.

CASE STUDY 5

Demographic details:

Name: GXT

Age: 43

Gender: Male

Marital Status: Married

Occupation: IT sector

Family type: Nuclear

Highest education: UG in Software Engineering

Chief Complaints And Case Formulation: There was a significant ‘fear of

abandonment’, born as the youngest to very old parents (late pregnancy, when parents

were in mid 60s), displayed these traits in the therapy session as, he was not ready to

take the session alone at any cost. He said he always find himself helpless in many

situations especially when there is no one around to push him more when he needs it

25
the most. It always get really challenging to deal with these situations because of which

he cannot even sit alone in his own therapy session with just the therapist.

Analysis of the above cases and its discussion gave me insight about what a

therapy session would be like. I learned about the importance of active listening,

empathy, being nonjudgmental, and creating a safe space for clients to explore their

thoughts and emotions. It also underlined that in order to promote significant progress

in therapy, one must have strong communication skills as well as the capacity to build

rapport and trust with clients. Overall, I realized that there can be multiple causal

factors affecting the client's mental health, like past traumas, societal pressures,

current stressors, the social environment, and biological predispositions. Hence, it is

crucial to be able to adapt to each client's unique needs and challenges. This

experience has deepened my understanding of the therapeutic process and how to

navigate the complexities of mental health treatment in a holistic and client-cantered

manner.

CONCLUSION

My internship was a deeply enriching and challenging experience. As it was

primarily a training-based internship, I gained valuable insights and knowledge that

expanded my understanding of therapy and counselling. The most impactful aspect

was how the training process encouraged me to reflect on myself, pushing me beyond

my comfort zone and helping me grow both professionally and personally. I was able

to explore new perspectives, engage in meaningful discussions, and enhance my

practical skills in a supportive environment. This atmosphere of encouragement and

26
collaboration allowed me to build my confidence, take initiative, and fully immerse

myself in the learning process. Overall, the internship not only strengthened my

passion for psychology but also equipped me with the tools to continue growing in

the field.

Challenges

• One of the main challenges I faced during my internship was engaging

in role plays. I tend to feel anxious when performing in front of others, and

the added pressure of role-playing as a therapist made me even more nervous.

However, with time and practice, I was able to manage this anxiety and

become more comfortable in these scenarios.

• Another difficulty I encountered was in expressing my thoughts and

opinions, especially when applying some of the concepts we learned and

observed. At first, I found it hard to articulate my ideas clearly and execute

certain techniques effectively. As the internship progressed, I became more

confident and found it easier to engage in discussions, thanks to a better

understanding of the material.

• Additionally, being a native Malayalam speaker, I also faced

challenges in communication. While I am fluent in English, there were

moments where my comfort with my mother tongue created a slight barrier in

expressing complex ideas or understanding nuanced discussions. I had to

consciously focus on improving my English communication skills,

particularly in a professional setting, to ensure clarity and confidence when

engaging with colleagues and clients.

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Learning outcomes

 During my internship, I had the opportunity to develop a range of new skills

and grow professionally by engaging in role plays, participating in

activities, and taking part in in-depth discussions on various relevant topics.

 I gained hands-on experience with fundamental counselling skills, both macro

and micro, such as paraphrasing, active listening, using silence effectively,

tagging, and applying the "here and now" concept. These skills were put into

practice during role plays and interactive activities.

 My mentor guided me through the process of starting my own therapy practice,

and I had the opportunity to create a client intake form, which gave me valuable

insight into the practical aspects of setting up a practice.

 I also learned how to begin a therapy session and establish a strong therapeutic

alliance. This experience enhanced my understanding of the Existential

Humanistic Therapy modality and its application in real-world settings.

 Through this internship, I gained insight into how anxiety and transference can

affect therapy, and I learned strategies to manage these dynamics. Self-

reflection activities helped me identify personal triggers, allowing me to ground

myself during challenging moments.

 This experience allowed me to enhance my interpersonal and intrapersonal

skills, as well as my ability to observe and assess clients effectively. Role plays

and simulations provided a space to practice and refine my communication and

problem-solving skills.

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Finally, I learned the process of taking a case history and conducting a Mental

Status Examination (MSE) through case study discussions. The internship

reinforced the importance of continuous self-reflection and professional

development to improve my skills as a therapist.

REFERENCES

1. Babakhani, N., & Azami, S. (2023). Investigating the impact of

existential group therapy on the quality of life and existential anxiety

among older adults. Journal of Gerontological Counselling, 45(2),

123-134.

2. Subedar, N., Sharma, R., & Kumar, A. (2022). The effectiveness of

existential therapy in addressing anxiety among families of victims of

death and COVID-19. Journal of Existential Psychology and

Psychotherapy, 38(4), 220-234.

3. Hurtubise, G., Dubé, F., & Lefebvre, A. (2021). Philosophy for

Children (P4C): An existential therapy approach for children and its

impact on psychological need satisfaction and mental health. Journal

of Child and Adolescent Mental Health, 40(1), 45-58.

4. Jafari, M., Rezaei, M., & Hosseini, S. (2020). The effects of

existential humanistic therapy on Iranian couples’ perceptions of love

and life's meaning. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy, 41(2),

211-224.

29
5. Sadri Demi chi, M., & Ramezani, S. (2016). The impact of existential

therapy on feelings of loneliness and death anxiety among elderly

individuals. Journal of Psychological Research and Therapy, 24(3),

112-124.

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