Comment on your peers' responses.

First peer below.

What are your basic assumptions about human nature?

I have a few basic assumptions about human nature. The first is that people are driven by a desire to belong. This is something that is relatively well-documented, and has even been referred to as a need instead of a desire (Allen et al., 2021). Another assumption I have is that people are able to change as long as they actually want to and have a bit of willpower (Hudson & Fraley, 2015). In that vein, people are responsible for themselves. I also believe people live their lives searching for meaning (Steger et al., 2008), even if it's a subconscious search and they are completely unaware of it. To this end, I believe we are constantly changing in search of that meaning and that many of our behaviors are directly influenced by it.

Which approach to therapy is closest to your beliefs about human nature? Existential therapy is closest to my beliefs about human nature. Like me, existential therapists subscribe to the idea of the search for meaning being one of the driving factors of behavior (Corey, 2017). There are many that feel life is a series of choices, and most believe that we are responsible for our actions. Another part of existential therapy that speaks to my basic assumptions is the acknowledgement that people are constantly changing.

In what ways do you believe that your basic assumptions might determine the procedures that you would use when working with clients?

I think my basic assumptions, like anyone's, will determine the type of techniques that I lean toward. They determine the lens that I will be looking at things through, so this is only natural. If I believe that people are responsible for themselves and capable of change, I might reach for some cognitive behavioral techniques, understanding that that's what would be best for my clients. Similarly, it will likely mean that many of the procedures I use are based in existential philosophy and theory in one way or another. However, I would never let it limit me, and will always choose the techniques and procedures that are objectively best for the client.

Second peer below.

My basic assumption about human nature is that it is unique to each individual. I feel that there is no one big concept of human nature or if there is that would be it that human nature that we are divers each having their own beliefs and talents. We also all have our own short comings and challenges. Some people say that it is human nature to rebel but for each person that rebels there is someone that that keeps low and complies to the rules.

I think that behavior and cognitive behavior therapy are closest to my beliefs because it is about evaluating the individual and working with them to learn skills and tools to make the changes in there life. Wall cognitive behavior therapy is closest I feel I also am coming to think that each approach has it time and place and will work what will work for one will not always work for all.

My basic assumptions would require a strong relationship with the client. Taking the time to get to know them and understand what they are looking for and who they are. Knowing that everyone is different I would need to find what works for each client and build around their beliefs and values to achieve their goals.