Existentialism

More of a way of thinking, or an attitude about psychotherapy

than a particular style of practicing psychotherapy.
Not an independent nor a separate school of therapy, nor a
clearly defined model with specific techniques.
It is more of a philosophical approach
What is Existential therapy?
Existential psychotherapy is an attitude toward human suffering
[that] has no manual. It asks deep questions about the nature of
human being and the nature of anxiety , despair, grief,
loneliness, isolation, and anomie. It also deals centrally with the
questions of meaning, creativity, and love. (Yallom& Josselson,
2011)
Existential approach rejects the deterministic view of human
nature by traditional schools of psychology.
Psychoanalysis as primarily determined by unconscious forces,
irrational drives, and past events
Behaviorists see the individual as primarily determined by socio-
cultural conditioning.
Although there are times when we cant control external forces,
existential therapists believe we retain the freedom to choose
how we respond to such events.
Existentialism vs Psychoanalysis vs Radical behaviorism.
Basically, existential therapy is grounded on the assumption that
we are free and therefore responsible for our choices and
actions.
We are authors of our lives, and we design the pathways we
follow.
Basic premise: we are not victims of circumstance because to a
large extent, we are what we choose to be.
It was not founded by a particular person or group.
World War II- struggled with existential feelings of isolation,
alienation, and meaningless.
Movement arose in 19
th
century
Soren Kierkegard & Friedrich Nietzsche
Origins of Existentialism
Soren Kierkegard (1813-1855)
concerned with angst- Danish and German word whose meaning lies
between the English words dread and anxiety.
He believed that anxiety is the school in which we are educated to be a
self.
necessary to our becoming human
Key figures
Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900)
located the values within the individuals will to power
herd mentality=mediocrities
bermensch are representative of people who exhibit Freedom, in that
they define the nature of their own existence.
Key figures
Martin Heidegger (1889-1976)
Phenomenological existentialism, as presented by Heidegger, provides a
view of human history that does not focus on past events but motivates
individuals to look forward to authentic experiences that are yet to
come.
Key figures
Martin Buber (1878-1865)
Betweeness- there is never just an I, but always an, other.
Presence- 3 functions
1. It enables true I/ Thou relationships.
2. It allows for meaning to exist in a situation
3. It enables an individual to be responsible in the here and now.
His best-known philosophical work was the short book I and Thou, published in 1922. For
Buber, the fundamental fact of human existence, too readily overlooked by scientific
rationalism and abstract philosophical thought, is "man with man", a dialogue that takes
place in the so-called "sphere of between" ("das Zwischenmenschliche")
Key figures
1. Ludwig Binswanger(1881-1966)
Existential analysis (dasein analyze) emphasize the subjective and spiritual dimensions
of human existence.
2.Medard Boss(1903-1991)
Dasein or being-in-the-world- reflect on life events and attribute meaning to these
events
Key figures
Jean-Paul Sartre in 1945 lectured titled Is Existentialism a
Humanism
Essence can be seen as its necessary property or characteristics
to be what it is. (aristotle)
As an atheist Sartre did not believe humans were designed
Bad faith- I cant do this now because of my past.
Basic premise: every moment, by our actions, we are choosing
who we are being.
Existence precedes Essence
Viktor Frankl- 1905-1997
Influenced by Freud, student by Adler
Logotherapy- therapy through meaning
life has meaning, under all circumstances; the central motivation
for living is the will to meaning; we have freedom to find
meaning in all that we think; and we must integrate body, mind,
and spirit to be fully alive.
Freud- will to pleasure, Adler-will to power, Frankl- will to meaning
Key figures in Contemporary Existential Psychotherapy
Rollo May (1909-1994)
It takes courage to be, and our choices determine the kind of person we
become. There is a constant struggle within us.
To grow toward maturity and independence is a painful
process.
Key figures in Contemporary Existential Psychotherapy
Irvin Yalom- 1931-
Yalombelieved the vast majority of experienced threrapists, regardless of
their theoretical orientation, employ many of the core existential themes.
Kierkegard- creative anxiety, despair, fear and dread, guilt
Nietzsche- death, suicide, and will
Heidegger- authentic being, caring, death, guilt, and individual
responsibility
Sartre- meaninglessness, responsibility, and choice
Bubre- interpersonal relationships, I/Thou perspective in therapy
Key figures in Contemporary Existential Psychotherapy
What is it that concerns all existentialists together?
Existentialists are all concerned with the problem of living life as a
human being
So what is?
Why am I here?
What does it mean to be human?
How should I live my life?
The Human Condition
Existentialism is tough to define.
They differ substantially in addressing human condition
However, common is they reject systems which propose to have
definitive answers to questions of meaning and purpose in life
However,
Systems largely remove massive burden one would have to face
were they try to create meaning and purpose for themselves in a
unique and personal matter (ex. Christianity)
They do not adequately take into account what it is like to be
human.
Nietszche, human all too human
Existentialists see a benefit to facing-up to our mortality.
Moreover,