Existential Therapy focuses on the exploration of a person's sense of being-in-the-world. Therapists tend to take a
here-and-now approach, emphasising their client's ability to make decisions in the present, rather than rely on the influences of their past. They attempt to explore the meaning of certain problem areas for a client through a philosophical, rather than technique-based approach.
History
Existential Therapy is based on the theories of philosophers such as Heidegger, Kierkegaard, Sartre and Merleau-Ponty. It
was developed by therapists Medard Boss, Ludwig Binswager, Ronald Laign and
Emmy van Deurzen. The latter founded the Society For Existential Analysis in London; the first of its kind in the UK. It is one of the centres for the approach of Existential psychotherapy and operates a highly influential journal on the subject.
Approach
Existential therapists aim to encourage the client to be
honest with themselves, to broaden their views on their surrounding world and environment, and to make firm decisions about future plans. Existential Therapy is based on the assumption that people are directly responsible for their lives and the environment they exist in.
How can it help?
Existential psychotherapy is suitable for those willing to
increase their self-awareness and who are prepared to take control of their lives and make positive changes. Relationship and family issues are among the issues that can be addressed.
Existential psychotherapy resources
International Society For Existential Psychology
Society For Existential Analysis
