PSYC 3350: Counseling Theories and Practice

Assessment 3: Case Study Analysis – Humanistic-Existential Therapy, Substance Use, and Legal/Ethical Practice (2026)

Substance use disorder in young adults often reflects a convergence of identity formation, peer influence, and unresolved existential concerns rather than solely pharmacological dependence. In the presented case, early exposure to substances within a social context appears to have shaped both behavioral patterns and self-concept, particularly where belonging became linked to substance use. Humanistic-existential therapy may offer a structured yet flexible framework that supports the client’s search for meaning while reinforcing personal responsibility and choice. Empirical work discussed in The effectiveness of humanistic therapies: A meta-analysis suggests that therapies grounded in empathy and unconditional positive regard can yield outcomes comparable to cognitive-behavioral approaches for certain populations. Ethical tensions emerge when autonomy conflicts with clinician duty of care, particularly if the client’s decision-making capacity is impaired. Legal safeguards such as confidentiality protections and criteria for involuntary treatment reflect an attempt to balance individual rights with public safety. Clinical reasoning in this case requires integrating therapeutic alignment with legal awareness to ensure ethically defensible practice.

Longitudinal studies indicate that early intervention using client-centered approaches may reduce relapse risk when combined with structured relapse prevention strategies. Research by Elliott et al. (2018) demonstrates that therapeutic alliance, rather than technique alone, predicts sustained engagement in treatment. In parallel, U.S. federal regulations under 42 CFR Part 2 provide stringent confidentiality protections for individuals receiving substance use treatment, which may influence disclosure patterns and trust in therapeutic settings. These frameworks suggest that effective care extends beyond symptom reduction to include relational and systemic considerations.

A frequent misconception is that humanistic-existential therapy lacks structure or measurable outcomes; however, contemporary adaptations often incorporate goal-setting and outcome tracking without undermining client autonomy. Students should distinguish between non-directive stance and absence of clinical rigor. Integrating motivational interviewing techniques may strengthen this approach by addressing ambivalence toward change. The American Counseling Association ethical guidelines further clarify that autonomy does not override beneficence when risk of harm is evident, which becomes critical when evaluating involuntary commitment decisions.

Assessment Overview

This assessment requires a structured case study analysis focusing on substance use disorder, therapeutic application, and legal-ethical decision-making. The task aligns with 2024–2026 counseling and psychology program standards across U.S. and UK institutions, emphasizing applied theory, clinical reasoning, and ethical literacy.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply humanistic-existential therapy principles to real-world cases.
• Analyze substance use disorder using DSM-5-TR criteria.
• Evaluate legal and ethical issues in counseling practice.
• Demonstrate professional-level written communication and evidence integration.

Assessment Task

Write a 1,300–1,600-word case study analysis based on the provided scenario of a 23-year-old male experiencing substance use disorder. Your response must integrate theory, diagnostic reasoning, and legal-ethical considerations.

Required Structure

1. Introduction
   • Define substance use disorder using DSM-5-TR criteria.
   • Briefly outline the relevance of humanistic-existential therapy.
2. Case Conceptualization
   • Identify presenting issues and contributing factors.
   • Analyze behavioral, cognitive, and social dimensions of the case.
3. Diagnostic Considerations
   • Apply DSM-5-TR criteria (impaired control, social impairment, risky use, pharmacological indicators).
   • Determine severity level with justification.
4. Therapeutic Application
   • Explain how humanistic-existential therapy would be applied.
   • Discuss core conditions such as empathy, congruence, and unconditional positive regard.
   • Evaluate strengths and limitations of this approach in substance use treatment.
5. Legal and Ethical Analysis
   • Confidentiality and privacy laws (e.g., 42 CFR Part 2).
   • Involuntary commitment criteria and implications.
   • Ethical principles: autonomy, beneficence, nonmaleficence, justice.
6. Clinical Reflection
   • Reflect on the role of supervision in developing clinical competence.
   • Identify areas for professional growth.
7. Conclusion
   • Synthesize key findings.
   • Provide one evidence-based recommendation for practice.

Formatting and Submission Requirements

• Word count: 1,300–1,600 words
• APA 7th edition formatting
• Minimum of 6 peer-reviewed sources (2018–2026)
• Include DSM-5-TR citations where appropriate
• Submit via LMS (Turnitin enabled)

Marking Rubric (100 Marks)

References (APA 7th Edition)

• Elliott, R., Greenberg, L. S., & Lietaer, G. (2018). Research on humanistic-experiential psychotherapies. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.64.6.527
• American Psychiatric Association. (2022). DSM-5-TR. https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). https://www.samhsa.gov/data/
• Cavaiola, A. A., & Dolan, M. (2019). Ethical considerations in substance abuse treatment. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429460140
• Watson, J. C., & Schneider, K. J. (2016). Humanistic psychotherapy research. https://doi.org/10.1037/14775-000
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. (2018). 42 CFR Part 2 regulations. https://www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-professionals/special-topics/substance-use-disorder/index.html

Study Essay Topics

• Humanistic Existential Therapy Substance Abuse Case Study APA Assignment Guide
• Humanistic Existential Therapy Essay Substance Use Disorder
• Substance Abuse Case Analysis Counseling Assignment
• How humanistic therapy applies to substance abuse cases
• Write a 1,300–1,600-word APA case study analyzing substance use disorder using humanistic-existential therapy and legal ethical frameworks.
• Compose a 4–6 page counseling case analysis on substance abuse, DSM-5 diagnosis, therapy application, and legal issues.
• Analyze a substance abuse case using therapy theory, diagnosis, and ethical reasoning.

Assessment (Week 7 Reflective Journal)

Assessment 4: Clinical Reflection on Therapeutic Approaches

Students will critically reflect on their experience observing or simulating therapeutic sessions using different counseling approaches. The task emphasizes integration of theory with practice and development of professional identity.

Requirements

• Word count: 600–800 words
• Reflect on at least two therapeutic approaches
• Include one personal insight and one professional development goal
• Support with 2 scholarly sources