Existential Therapy and Its Potential A
Existential Therapy and Its Potential Applications
Lorraine G. Daddario
La Salle University
Author Note
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Abstract
As a philosophically based model, existential therapy offers a fresh humanistic approach to psychotherapy, focusing on the overarching themes of human existence: inevitable death, freedom and its corresponding responsibility, existential isolation, and finding meaning in life. Through a genuine and authentic relationship, the client and therapist explore and honestly assess the client’s situations, values, beliefs, and ideals in an effort to better understand the client’s authentic self. There is much current research on the differing aspects of existential meaning in life including its origins and its purpose. Two research studies are reviewed. Because of its basis in a way of thinking rather than specific techniques, existential therapy leaves open the opportunity to incorporate techniques from other theories as appropriate. This is illustrated in the case of Nate, a 24 year old African American student presenting with feelings of isolation and depression.
Existential Therapy and Its Potential Applications
As a philosophically based model, existential therapy offers a fresh humanistic approach to psychotherapy, focusing on the overarching themes of human existence: inevitable death, freedom and its corresponding responsibility, existential isolation, and finding meaning in life. The therapeutic process is rooted in a genuine and authentic relationship between the client and therapist (Sharf, 2012). Together they explore and honestly assess the client’s situations, values, beliefs, and ideals in an effort to better understand the client’s authentic self. This exploration must be client-directed because existential therapy hinges upon the client’s subjective experience with the goal of becoming more truthful with oneself, gaining a wider perspective and finding clarity and
Lorraine G. Daddario
La Salle University
Author Note
[Include any grant/funding information and a complete correspondence address.]
Abstract
As a philosophically based model, existential therapy offers a fresh humanistic approach to psychotherapy, focusing on the overarching themes of human existence: inevitable death, freedom and its corresponding responsibility, existential isolation, and finding meaning in life. Through a genuine and authentic relationship, the client and therapist explore and honestly assess the client’s situations, values, beliefs, and ideals in an effort to better understand the client’s authentic self. There is much current research on the differing aspects of existential meaning in life including its origins and its purpose. Two research studies are reviewed. Because of its basis in a way of thinking rather than specific techniques, existential therapy leaves open the opportunity to incorporate techniques from other theories as appropriate. This is illustrated in the case of Nate, a 24 year old African American student presenting with feelings of isolation and depression.
Existential Therapy and Its Potential Applications
As a philosophically based model, existential therapy offers a fresh humanistic approach to psychotherapy, focusing on the overarching themes of human existence: inevitable death, freedom and its corresponding responsibility, existential isolation, and finding meaning in life. The therapeutic process is rooted in a genuine and authentic relationship between the client and therapist (Sharf, 2012). Together they explore and honestly assess the client’s situations, values, beliefs, and ideals in an effort to better understand the client’s authentic self. This exploration must be client-directed because existential therapy hinges upon the client’s subjective experience with the goal of becoming more truthful with oneself, gaining a wider perspective and finding clarity and
References: Ellerman, C. P. (1999). Pragmatic existential therapy. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 29(1), 49-64. Miars, R. D. (2002). Existential authenticity: A foundational value for counseling. Counseling and Values, 46(3), 312-324. doi: 10.1037/h0087832 Sharf, R ThinkingAllowedTV. (2013, March 19). Rollo May: The human dilemma (Part one complete): Thinking allowed with Jeffrey Mishlove [video file] Yecto. (2007, April 12). Interview with Dr. Victor Frankl part 1 [video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9EIxGrIc_6g&list=PLBA6FD74148B8DBDC