What would be an example of a scenario or conversation between a humanistic therapist and someone he is treating who has generalized anxiety...

Humanistic therapy helps patients develop a more holistic and positive view of themselves and their lives. The field, which developed in reaction to behavioral therapy, puts forth the idea that the patient is at the center of the therapy, not the diagnosis or the behavior. One of the fathers of humanistic theory, Carl Rogers, emphasized "unconditional positive regard" for the patient and his or her beliefs. This means that the therapist values the subjective thoughts...

Humanistic therapy helps patients develop a more holistic and positive view of themselves and their lives. The field, which developed in reaction to behavioral therapy, puts forth the idea that the patient is at the center of the therapy, not the diagnosis or the behavior. One of the fathers of humanistic theory, Carl Rogers, emphasized "unconditional positive regard" for the patient and his or her beliefs. This means that the therapist values the subjective thoughts and feeling of the patient.

Humanistic therapy for someone who has generalized anxiety disorder would emphasize the patient's freedom to make meaningful choices. The therapist would value the patient's own views and subjective take on his or her life and would help the person make choices that help him or her achieve self-actualization, or the meaningful use of his or her talents. For example, if the patient wanted to work with animals and saw this work as more meaningful and less stressful than their current office work, the therapist would value the patient's interests and choices and help them work towards a more meaningful career.

Cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety would involve the therapist helping the patient to examine the cognitions, or thought patterns, and behaviors that are making him or her anxious. For example, many people engage in irrational automatic thought patterns such as catastrophizing, in which they image the worst possible outcome of a situation. For example, they assume a call from their boss means that they will be fired. A therapist would help a patient recognize and shift these types of anxiety-producing thought patterns. In addition, the therapist would help the person develop behavior patterns, such as regular exercise and meditation, that could help the person reduce his or her anxiety.