Description
Offering a concrete framework and practical methods for working from an existential perspective, the bestselling Existential Counselling and Psychotherapy is now in its third edition.
Central to the book is the belief that many of our problems arise out of the essential paradoxes of human existence, rather than from personal pathology. From this perspective, the purpose of counselling and therapy is not viewed as problem-solving, but as a mean of enabling people to come to terms with living life as it is, with all its inherent contradictions.
Emmy van Deurzen, a leading existential philosopher and therapist, presents a practical method of working, using systematic observation, clarification and reflection to help clients rediscover their inner strengths. She shows how personal assumptions, values and talents, once acknowledged, can be turned to constructive use. Using wide-ranging case examples, the author also demonstrates the effectiveness of the existential appoach in many different situations - from crisis work to dealing with chronic unhappiness.
The existential approach is a well-respected form of psychotherapy, but most writing on the subject tends to be heavily theoretical. This book offers a practical and accessible alternative, which will be invaluable to those in training as well as to more experienced practitioners.
Table of Contents
Introduction: The Origin of Existential Therapy
Aim and Framework
Basic Assumptions
The Aim of Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling
The Attitude of the Existential Practitioner
Chapter Summary
Establishing Contact
Starting Point: Anxiety
Towards Authentic Living
Finding Guidelines
Chapter Summary
Clarification of Personal Worldview
The Physical World
The Social World
The Personal World
The Spiritual World
Chapter Summary
Taking Stock
Defining Assumptions
Determining Values
Exploring Talents
Chapter Summary
Creative Explorations
Understanding Emotions
Discovering Meaning
Working with Dreams
Playing with Imagination
Chapter Summary
Coming to Terms with Life
Facing the World Alone
Action and Commitment
Communicating and Relating
Living in Time
Chapter Summary
