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Existential Therapy
Introduction Pg. 143

Existential Therapy Is
An outlook (rather than a school of therapy) derived from philosophical writings reflecting a concern with the phenomenological nature of the human experience, especially the search for meaning. The existential approach views the determinism of psychoanalysis and behavioral theories as insufficient to explain fully human functioning. Where on determinism? Free will? We are not just like rats in the maze! Any cognitive complexity makes a difference in degreea difference in kind. Psychoanalysis sees freedom as restricted by unconscious forces, irrational drives, and past events; behaviorists see freedom as restricted by socio-cultural conditioning. In contrast, existential therapists acknowledge some of these facts about the human situation but emphasize our freedom to choose what to make of our circumstances Humans are uniquely endowed with a tendency to make meaning, i.e. to ask the question Why? and to recognize that the finite nature of our existence propels us to choice. There is only so much time, and we know that. When death is near, we become acutely aware of that. Any near death experiences? How precious is life? Existential therapy is a process of searching for the value and meaning in life.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
Key Figurespg. 144

Victor Frankl
Former psychoanalyst Developed Logotherapytherapy through meaning Stressed uniquely experienced human concerns such as freedom, responsibility, meaning, and the search for values Concentration camp experiences significant in formulation Existential vacuumthe means to live but often no meaning Therapeutic processchallenge individuals to find meaning, e.g. suffering, work, and love

Rollo May
A key figure in transplanting existentialism into contemporary practice of psychotherapy in the USA. Stressed courage to be and our struggle between security of dependence and the delights and pains of self-growth.

James Bugental
A journey with the client to live authentically.

Irving Yalom
Focused on four ultimate concerns: Death Freedom Existential isolation Meaninglessness

Key Concepts
Pg. 145 The basic dimensions of the human condition, according to existential approach, include The capacity for self-awareness Freedom and responsibility Creating ones identity and establishing meaningful relationships with others The search for meaning, purpose, values, and goals Anxiety as a condition of living Awareness of death and nonbeing

The following propositions are developed by summarizing themes that emerge in the writings of existential therapists. The implications for counseling practice for each o f these propositions is also discussed.

Proposition 1: The Capacity for Self-Awareness

To expand our awareness is to increase our capacity to live fully (Positive Spin). Lets look at page 146 Partial deadness [-] versus Existential anxiety [-]

Contentment [+] versus Proposition 2: Freedom and Responsibility Page 147

Fulfillment [+]

A remarkable capacity or trait of humans is our capacity to choose our stance amid any circumstance. [Frankl] This is freedom. It gives us a vast capacity to have control over our being, i.e. not determined by events. Yet, it demands responsibility to acknowledge and accept this choice. Bad Faith is Sartres concept that refers to the inauthenticity of not accepting responsibility, e.g. say Im just made that way

Proposition 3: Striving for Identity and Relationship

Page 149 Part of the therapeutic journey consists of challenging the client to examine how theyve lost touch with their journey of identity or self, especially by letting others design their life for them. The job is also to learn how to relate in life-affirming ways [based upon our fulfillment] without neurotic dependence [based upon our deprivation].

Proposition 4: The Search for Meaning

Discarding old values-to trust the persons capacity to endure the uncertainty that precedes the empowerment of authentic living. Meaninglessness- in some existential camps, it is seen that life is essentially meaningless and that our task is to create our own meaning. In others, it is assumed that meaning must be discovered by a series of choices. Creating a new meaning[pg 151] Logotherapy is designed to assist client in their search for meaning. Choice allows us to transform even suffering into enhanced meaning. The search for meaning is indirect, or pursued obliquely. Finding meaning is a by-product of engagement, which is commitment to creating, loving, working, and building.

Proposition 5: Anxiety as a Condition of Living

Anxiety is seen as an essential aspect of life and as a potential source of growth. No pain, no gain. There is a differentiation between normal and neurotic anxiety. Normal anxiety motivates us to change, while neurotic anxiety is out of proportion to the situation and often immobilizes us. To exist fully, one must face nonexistence. This paradox may define human existence.

Proposition 6: Awareness of Death

Our awareness of death forces us to do the things that matter. Death creates meaning or priorities in life paradoxically.

The Therapeutic Process

Pg. 153-157 Therapeutic goals Therapists function and role Clients experience in therapy relationship

Application
Therapeutic techniques and procedures Pg. 157 The use of the therapists self is the core of therapy: Initial PhaseIdentifying assumptions about life Middle PhaseExamining/challenging the source and authority of their present values Final PhaseImplementing their examined and internalized values

Existential Therapy
A Philosophical/Intellectual Approach to Therapy Basic Dimensions Of the Human Condition The capacity for self-awareness The tension between freedom and responsibility The creation of an identity & establishing meaningful relationships The search for meaning Accepting anxiety as a condition of living The awareness of death and nonbeing

The Capacity for Self-Awareness

The greater our awareness, the greater our possibilities for freedom Awareness is realizing that: We are finitetime is limited We have the potential, the choice, to act or not to act Meaning is not automaticwe must seek it We are subject to loneliness, meaninglessness, emptiness, guilt, isolation, and anxiety