Existential Theory

Existential Theory

Is reacting against the tendency to view therapy as a system of well-defined techniques, this model stresses building therapy on the basic conditions of human existence, such as choice, the freedom and responsibility to shape one’s life, and self- determination. It focuses on the quality of the person-to-person therapeutic relationship (Corey, 2009). To a degree existential therapy is based on the understanding that each person is the creator of his own life and has the freedom to choose how to respond to each moment of existence (Scholten, 2010).

Key Figures

Viktor Frankl

1905 – 1997

 

 

Viktor Frankl lived as a concentration camp inmate through World War II. His book Man's Search for Meaning, described his experiences throughout this time and his revelation of man’s desire to live. Frankl declared that the meaning of life is found in each and every moment. He believed a person’s life is never without meaning, even if pain and suffering was involved.

 

Rollo May

(1909-1994)

 

 

Rollo May is considered to be by many of his peers the father of American Existential Psychology. He was the writer who was responsible for introducing European existentialism to American readers.

 

Irvin Yalom

1931 (age 80)

 

 

A scholar, a novelist and an existentialist, Irvin Yalom has played a huge role in existentialism. His book Existential Psychotherapy is renowned as one of the great organizers of existential theory.

 

 

Goals

• Awareness of our limited lifespan
• Our freedom to make choices
• Awareness of our existence as individuals (separateness)
• The threat of meaninglessness

  

Key Concepts

Existential Theory often focuses on Increasing Self-awareness and Authentic Living

• Taking responsibility for Decisions

• Finding Personal Meaning

• Coping With Anxiety

• living in the Present  

References:

Corey, G. (2009).  Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (eighth edition). Belmont, Ca: Thomas Higher Education.

Scholten, A. MPH, (2010).  Existential Therapy: Coping with the Human Condition, Retrieved on May 19^th 2012 from http://www.aurorahealthcare.org

Counceling Methods

Person Centered Therapy – This approach was developed during the 1940s as a non-directive reaction against psychoanalysis. Based on a subjective view of human experiencing, it places faith in and gives responsibility to the client in dealing with problems and concerns (Corey, 2009).

Key Figures                   
Carl Rogers (1902 - 1987)                                                      

    







     

Carl Rogers, the founder of Person Centered Therapy was very influential in 20th-century psychology. He was the father of the humanistic movement. Being a humanist type of thinker, Rogers believed that good could be found in all people. In the beginning he called his technique non-directive therapy. Eventually through, the name changed and became known as client-centered therapy (Cherry, 2012).   

Rogers was determined to create a working relationship between the person being counseled and himself. His deliberate use of the word client rather than patient was a direct indication of this. By using the term client, he helped tear down the implications that the person or persons seeking assistance was in some way sick, or seeking some form of cure. 

Rogers believed one should not pass judgment on the client. His goal was to offer an unconditional positive regard. By staying neutral and remaining positive towards the client, the atmosphere created in the sessions was one of a healthy nature. It was his belief that the therapist should not direct the client in anyway. Rogers even believed that one should refrain from making suggestions or offering solutions. He believed the client should be the one in control of the session at all times (Cherry, 2012).

Natalie Rogers
 

Natalie Rogers, the daughter of Carl Rogers, founded the Person-Centered Expressive Therapy Institute in Santa Rosa, CA. She is a pioneer in expressive arts therapy. An author to a multitude of books, Natalie has became a key figure in Person Centered Therapy (Practitioners of Person, 2008).

A video of Carl Rogers explaining his theory.

Key concepts

·         Therapist is non-directive.

·         Therapist has unconditional positive regard.

·         Therapist should be genuine.

·         Therapist should have an empathetic understanding.

·         The individual can direct their own life.

·         The individual has control over the session.

Goals

To encourage the client in getting closer to themselves; feeling more deeply and intensely; recognize and resolve incongruities within themselves.

 

  Cherry, K, (2012).  Client-Centered Therapy, Retrieved on May 19^th 2012 from http://psychology.about.com

Corey, G. (2009).  Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (eighth edition). Belmont, Ca: Thomas Higher Education.
 
Practitioners of Person-Centered Expressive Arts, (2008).  Natalie Rogers, Retrieved on May 18^th from http://www.personcenteredexpressivearts.com

 

Primary Goals & OD Resources, (2012).  Humanistic Psychology, Person-Centered Psychotherapy (Rogers), Retrieved on May 18^th 2012 from http://www.primarygoals.org