Existential therapy

4. Existential Therapy Unlike Adlerian Therapy, or Psychoanalysis, Existentialism was not founded by any person or group. Instead, the concept is a cornucopia of different ideas which contribute to a universal theory of existence (Corey, 2013, p. 140). World War II devastated Europe and left those that participated, or that were victims of the war, struggling with isolation and meaninglessness. The search for understanding and freedom within the confines of the Nazi oppression lead philosophers and psychologists alike to rethink the concept of freedom and the meaning of life. Philosophers like Nietzsche and Heidegger laid philosophical foundations for existentialism by challenging the idea of self and reminding us that we exist “in the…

book, “theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy” by Gerald Corey, Corey discusses existential therapy. According to Corey, “Existential therapy is more a way of thinking, or an attitude about psychotherapy than a particular style of practicing psychotherapy” (Corey, p. 132, 2014). Corey later suggests that existential therapy can be considered a “philosophical approach” to counseling that influences therapeutic practice. Therefore, existential therapy is considered less of a model of…

Author Viktor Frankl is one of many therapist whom were instrumental in developing the school method known as existential therapy. In 1930, Frankl received his doctorate at the age of 27. It was then that Frankl became the head of AmSteinhop Psychiatric Hospital. Frankl mostly worked on suicidal women and began to study why some women were proun to suicidal tendencies. During this time, Frankl developed his own approach known as Logotherapy, which was called the third wave of Viennese…

individual therapy will be to guide Sonny in his understanding of his limitations. Through the meaningful relationship that will be developed in therapy, insight is developed on his ability, his accomplishments and the raising of his self-esteem. Furthermore, it is the development of his identity that will generate a new perceptive which will provide confidence to challenge the psychotic symptoms that he experiences. (Please see Appendix B.) 2. Duration of Treatment Existential therapy is a…

unique and distinct. Along with the fact that every goal of each ET session is based upon that unique client, the ET goals are normally intangible concepts (Neukrug, 2010, p. 172). However, when research is performed on ET, by examining if ET is successful in how it is conducted the results are absolutely positive. Critical components of ET including: therapeutic relationship, positive regard, encouragement of client ability to self-heal, and the personal involvement of the therapist, have been…

experience some difficulty in his youth, making it difficult for him to view himself as an accomplished individual. For this reason, Stan continues to believe that he is worthless and incapable of having friends or fitting in with others. Stan appears in good health and has no apparent physical or verbal symptoms that will affect the therapy process. Stan’s temperament is appropriate…

description of Existential therapy was easy to understand and detailed. I learned that using this type of therapy works well with those clients in transitional phases of their life. Additionally, I could understand using this therapy with a client or group who are grieving and wondering what their place or meaning is now. Per Gladding (2016) Existential therapy can draw from other techniques but the basis is on helping clients or groups understand their meaning of their presence. One technique…

There were a lot that I learned through the sessions. I am not completely sure which theoretical model I will be engaging yet, but the humanistic approach is preferred. I like both existential and person center therapy. Humanistic theories and Carl Roger attracted most of my attention when I learned about them in my undergraduate courses; I knew this would be the theory that I want to pursue. After learning about various humanistic therapies, existential therapy and person center therapy are the…

What primary defining features set existential therapy apart from other approaches? The defining features that set existential therapist apart from other approaches because it’s a way of thinking more than a specific technique. Existential therapy gives the client’s freedom of choice but, also holds the client accountable for those choices. The therapist asks questions like, “Why am I here?”, “What is my purpose?”, and “Who am I?” Discuss anxiety from an existential perspective The therapist’s…

Existentialism holds a very optimistic view of human nature. Emphasis is placed on responsibility and self-actualization. It focuses on interpersonal relationships and on the here and now of the client/therapist relationship and does not take into account the client’s past history during treatment. It can also be blind to other constraints like environmental factors (Jones-Smith, 2015). As a philosophical therapy it focuses less on active problem solving and treatment can be long term…