Humanistic and Existential Personality Theories Matrix
Theory
Assumptions
Reliability
Validity
Application
Holistic-Dynamic Theory
Person-Centered Theory
Existential Psychological Theory
Existential theory is a philosophical stance that stresses the importance of freedom of choice, free will and personal responsibility. This perspective stresses the unique experiences of each individual and the responsibility of each person for their choices and what they make of themselves. The practices of existential theory is often misperceived as some arcane, dark, pessimistic, impractical, cerebral, esoteric orientation to treatment. In fact, it is an exceedingly practical, concrete, positive and flexible approach. Existential psychotherapy deals with more deeply comprehending and alleviating as much as possible. Such as pervasive postmodern symptoms such as apathy, excessive anxiety, alienation, avoidance, nihilism, shame, despair, addiction, depression, anger, guilt, rage, resentment, madness, embitterment, purposelessness, and violence as well as promoting the meaningful, life-enhancing experiences of relationship, caring, love, commitment, creativity, courage, power, will, spirituality, individuation, authenticity, self-actualization, awe, acceptance, and transcendence. Individuals who go through this form of therapy are lead to accept their fears and are given the skills necessary to overcome them through action. The client n now gain control and choose the direction their life takes. This gives the client a sense of freedom, liberation and a feeling of letting go of the desolation associated with meaningless and insignificance. In psychotherapy, existential approaches ask individuals to use anxiety to make positive life changes. Rather than repress this anxiety, patients are encouraged to use it constructively to transform undesirable situations or other aspects of their life. The existential