The Existential Theory Of Psychology Essay

Existential psychotherapy is a dynamic, philosophical approach to therapy that is based on the premise that an individual’s conflict within is due to their concerns with the givens of existence (Yalom, 1980). These givens, or ultimate concerns as noted by Yalom (1980), are inescapable properties that are part of the human existence in the world: meaninglessness, freedom (and its associated responsibility), isolation, and the inevitability of death. Confrontation with these givens can result in existential anxiety (Corey, 2009).

Nihilism originated somewhere around the mid-1800s, it was a shift from the social philosophy around that time which viewed life with purpose and meaning which was found usually though God, or some religious doctrine, however Nihilism is the philosophy that dictates the meaninglessness in life; it leaves an empty and void existence. Nihilism is usually associated with German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche is often although not a Nihilist himself Nietzsche wrote a considerable amount concerning Nihilism and its implications as a philosophy. Nietzsche saw Nihilism as a growing problem, he believed that as the world grew conscious of Nihilism it would destroy all morality and meaning man has created, this is because he would realize the

Accountable for your actions, we hear all the time at work, in school, home and throughout our life span. However when I think about accountability in clinical mental health counseling, the word accountability and the applications are defined as: a demonstration in professional’s actions (Erford, p. 482, 2014). I feel as a clinical mental health counselor it is important to follow through with appropriate assessments by using, effective data through an in depth open ended and closed ended questions, application of appropriate theory and interventions. Secondly observation would be another valued tool utilize in the steps of accurate diagnosing. Observation may be: the client’s environment, family, friends and possibility the social atmosphere

However, contemporary existential theorists and practitioners believe it is changing or has changed, with a broader focus on in-depth inquiry with implications for social change (Schneider, 2011). Another core weakness of existential therapy is its focus on self-determination, which may not fully consider the complex issues relating to oppression of the individual. Additionally, many clients may expect a more problem-centered approach to counseling offering a more structured approach than existential therapy typically

This is the time that Kyle and his sister need their mother the most. However, she is spending more time with a guy. The role of an existential therapist is to assist the client’s own relationships with themselves, to work together in the job of exploring and understanding the client’s values, assumptions, and ideals. Kyle also has to accept personal responsibility. According to Corey (2013), “Existential therapists are especially concerned about clients avoiding responsibility; they consistently invite clients to accept personal responsibility. When clients complain about the predicaments they are in and blame others, the therapist is likely to ask them how they contributed to their situation” (155). Kyle and his mother will have to develop a positive outlook on their situation and their life. Kyle’s case could be applied by using the propositions that are beneficial for this case, which are the basic dimensions of the human

Existential therapy addresses the problems in a person's life (including existential crises and drug addiction) by examining your life and the life choices you've made that have gotten you to your current situation. Existential therapy will center on several different aspects of your life, including:

Corey (2009) argues that to reach these treatment goals, the therapist must strive to reach three phases in existential counseling. The first phase is understood to be to challenge the perception of the client of their presenting issues or symptoms. “They may focus on what other people “make them feel” or on how others are largely responsible for their actions or inaction” (Corey, 2009). It is the role of the therapist to teach the client about the role they have in their own lives and how they contribute to their own problems. During the middle stage, the therapist will encourage the client to explore their current value system. With this self-exploration, the client can find a new internal value process once they have taken responsibility of their actions. In the final phase, the client ins encouraged to take the newly learned information and thought processing into action. Between sessions and after treatment is terminated, he client is to recognize their strengths they have in their newly discovered internalized values which they can use to make the adjustments in their life. It is through the adjustments that are successfully made can lead to a purposeful existence.

A key concept of existential therapy is the relationship between freedom and responsibility. In contrast

Existentialism is a philosophy that focuses on freedom and choice along with individual existence (Mastin). This philosophy proposes that human beings are specifically what they make themselves to be, by the decisions they make. “Humans define their own meaning in life” (Mastin). French philosopher Jean Paul Sartre said, “Man will only attain existence when he is what he purposes to be” (packet 353). Humans exercise their freedom in making reasonable choices in a world that is not so reasonable (Mastin).

The humanistic-existential perspective is both a reaction to and an outgrowth of the psychodynamic perspective. These thinkers refer to psychodynamic theory as inadequate, many were repulsed with its tendency to break down the "whole" person into discrete components, and, the idea of adapting to one's society, however questionable its values. Most importantly, they disagree that human action is beyond the individuals control, in fact they believe that if we could develop with out constraints, we would be rational and socialized. Humanists and existentialists also think psychology should be converted into a human science, different from psychological theories with more focus on natural science.

According to Carl Rogers one of a group of therapeutic approaches is known as â€oephenomenological.―

While writing a paper on existential and behavioral therapy, I found myself agreeing with concepts represented in both methods. Existential therapy is appealing because of its focus on encouraging the client to take responsibility for their actions. Viktor Frankl, a psychologist who made a considerable contribution to existential therapy, once said, “Freedom is only part of the story and half the truth …  That is why I recommend that the Statute of Liberty on the East Coast be supplanted by a Statute of Responsibility on the West Coast.” I think that it is dangerous to consider yourself a “victim” and that you aren’t accountable for your actions. I agree with the importance of understanding environmental factors and how it affects how a person processes information. Viktor

Existential therapy has made many great contributions to the world of counseling. Existential therapy brought out the focus on the humanity of the individual. The approach has something to offer counselors regardless of their theoretical orientation as it stresses self determination accepting the personal responsibility that accompanies freedom and viewing oneself as the authors of their own lives. There needs to be a self responsibility that is taking place within the client in all types of therapy. Existential therapy also provides a perspective in understanding the value of anxiety and guilt, the role and meaning of death, and creative aspects of being alone and choosing for oneself. A major strength of the approach is that it enables clients to examine the degree to which their behavior is being influenced by social and cultural conditioning.

According to this therapy, since we are the author of our lives, we control the pathway we follow in life. As a human being, we are motivated and eager to create our identity, seek our purpose in life and create a meaningful lasting relationship with others. Existential therapy discusses all of these elements and adds that the importance of our existence is not indefinite, instead we are continually recreating ourselves, searching and making sense of our existence (Corey,

“The existential theory is concerned for the personal "commitment" of this interesting existing unique in the "human circumstances”.