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.
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