Existential Therapy
Existential Therapy
Key Concepts/Unique Attributes
The existential approach is more of a collective group of thoughts rather than a concrete therapy. The existential approach guides the counseling practices. The premise is that individuals guide their own lives and create their own paths. The existential approach unlike psychoanalytical therapy of unconscious boundaries and limitations is based on the fundamental belief that “we are what we choose to be (Corey 2009).” The key concepts are known as the 6 propositions of the 1) Capacity for Self-Awareness, 2) Freedom and Responsibility 3) Striving for Identity and Relationships to Others 4) The Search for Meaning 5) Anxiety as a Condition of Living 6) Awareness of Death and Nonbeing (Corey 2009).
Historical/Contextual development of the theory
The existential theory was not created by any one in particular although it was influenced by both philosophers/writers and psychoanalysts in response for the need to assist people in resolving issues of life such as isolation, alienation and meaninglessness. This occurred spontaneously throughout Europe during the 1940’s and 1950’s (Corey 2009).
Role of the therapist
The role of the therapist is to prompt and empower clients to take a look at life, past and present. In doing so, the client can review what worked and did not work in their lives. Once the best course of action is discovered the client can move towards making better choices and governing a life path completely within the client’s control and satisfaction.
Research support for the theory
According to Corey, Sharf, 2008, stated that there is a distinct lack of studies that directly evaluate and examine the existential approach. This is due largely to the fact that the existential approach uses techniques from other theories in its application.
Gestalt Theory
Key Concepts/Unique Attributes
The concepts of Gestalt Theory are that of the expectation that all human’s must grow, mature and take
Key Concepts/Unique Attributes
The existential approach is more of a collective group of thoughts rather than a concrete therapy. The existential approach guides the counseling practices. The premise is that individuals guide their own lives and create their own paths. The existential approach unlike psychoanalytical therapy of unconscious boundaries and limitations is based on the fundamental belief that “we are what we choose to be (Corey 2009).” The key concepts are known as the 6 propositions of the 1) Capacity for Self-Awareness, 2) Freedom and Responsibility 3) Striving for Identity and Relationships to Others 4) The Search for Meaning 5) Anxiety as a Condition of Living 6) Awareness of Death and Nonbeing (Corey 2009).
Historical/Contextual development of the theory
The existential theory was not created by any one in particular although it was influenced by both philosophers/writers and psychoanalysts in response for the need to assist people in resolving issues of life such as isolation, alienation and meaninglessness. This occurred spontaneously throughout Europe during the 1940’s and 1950’s (Corey 2009).
Role of the therapist
The role of the therapist is to prompt and empower clients to take a look at life, past and present. In doing so, the client can review what worked and did not work in their lives. Once the best course of action is discovered the client can move towards making better choices and governing a life path completely within the client’s control and satisfaction.
Research support for the theory
According to Corey, Sharf, 2008, stated that there is a distinct lack of studies that directly evaluate and examine the existential approach. This is due largely to the fact that the existential approach uses techniques from other theories in its application.
Gestalt Theory
Key Concepts/Unique Attributes
The concepts of Gestalt Theory are that of the expectation that all human’s must grow, mature and take