Monday, May 14, 2012

Existential Theory

The existential approach is first and foremost philosophical. It is concerned with the understanding of people's position in the world and with the clarification of what it means to be alive. The existential therapeutic approach emphasizes "free will," the ability to make choices that are not dictated by heredity or past conditioning, through which an individual can become the person that he or she wants to be. ("Existential therapy, existential," 2005)
 Key Figures
Rollo May -  has consistently been referred to as the father of American Existential Psychology.
James Bugental -  contributed some significant writing and theory development to existential thought, more important is the video tapes on which Bugental is featured
Viktor Frankl -  alone makes his an incredible contribution to existential theory. Frankl was trained as an analyst prior to World War II in Germany. As Hitler rose in power and WWII neared, Frankl was placed in a concentration camp for the duration of the war. It is from these experiences that Frankl wrote his most significant contribution, Man's Search for Meaning.
Irvin Yalom -  wrote Existential Psychotherapy.  It is said that this book provides the best organizational structure to existential thought that exists which makes the book significant. 
Kirk Schneider -  was a student and colleague of Rollo May.  Wrote many important journal articles and books including collaboration with May on The Psychology of Existence: An integrative, clinical perspective. ("Existential therapy, existential," 2005)

Rollo May






Viktor Frankl



Irvin Yalom   


KEY CONCEPTS:

 
Key Concepts
There are six key concepts behind the Existential theory:
Proposition 1: The Capacity for Self-Awareness
It is their choice to expand awareness; Clients choose to live freely and fully. They can also choose, however, to restrict themselves.
Proposition 2: Freedom and Responsibility
People are free beings and must accept that responsibility of their actions.
People are responsible for choosing their own destinies because they chose freely from alternatives.
Proposition 3: Striving for Identity and Relationship to Others
Clients have a concern to preserve their uniqueness and identity. They learn of themselves through their interaction with others
Proposition 4: The Search for Meaning
The significance of a person’s existence is never set, rather it changes though their projects and goals. The meaning in life can be found by engaging in activities that might include commitment to creating, loving, working and building.
Proposition 5: Anxiety as a Condition of Living
Anxiety is a part of the human condition and a potential growth source. Neurotic anxiety tends to immobilize people. Normal anxiety is felt when an event is being faced. Normal anxiety comes from when people feel freedom and the consequences of accepting or rejecting the choices.
Proposition 6: Awareness of Death and Nonbeing
Death is eminent. Death is a part of living and awareness of death gives life significance. Death is not negative, but it is a motivating factor for the living. If people commit themselves to a full life, then they can be at peace nearing its end. (Park)

What are the goals of Existential Therapy?
  • Living in the present.
  • Increasing self-awareness and authentic living.
  • Finding personal meaning.
  • Coping with anxiety.
  • Taking responsibility for decisions.  (Garrett, 2007)
 
EXISTENTIAL PSYCHOTHERAPY
A form of dynamic psychotherapy.
Holds a different view of inner conflict.
Conflict is between the individual and the "givens" of existence termed ultimate concerns.
1. Death.
2. Freedom.
3. Isolation.
4. Meaninglessness. (Garrett, 2007)

MAJOR CRITISCMS
Vague and global approach.
Lofty and elusive concepts.
It lacks a systematic statement of the principles and practices of psychotherapy. (Garrett, 2007)


                                          (N.A., 2011)
References
Existential therapy, existential humanistic therapy . (2005). Retrieved from http://www.depression-
                 guide.com/existential-therapy.htm
Garrett, J. (2007, October 18). Existential therapy. Retrieved from
                 sunset/franklquote/
Park, S. J. (n.d.). Existential theory . Retrieved from http://people.unt.edu/~sjp0013/existential.htm

 
                                                        


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