Existential Therapy

Van Deurzen and Arnold-Baker introduce readers to the world of existential theory and practice, and give them a sound grounding in the field and the inspiration to explore the terrain they outline further and in more dept. They provide that most difficult thing - a clear and concise guide to the theory and practice of existential therapy. This book will be a valuable resource for anyone - whether they are a psychotherapy trainee, seasoned practitioner, or lay person - who seeks an accessible introduction to the contribution of existential philosophy and psychology to understanding what it means to be human. Professor Simon du Plock, Middlesex University

Professor Emmy van Deurzen is an authority on existential therapy with a worldwide reputation. She has published 16 books in the field and is the founder of the Society for Existential Analysis, and of the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling at the Existential Academy. Dr Claire Arnold-Baker is an existential therapist, counselling psychologist and perinatal specialist. She is the DCPsych Programme Leader at NSPC, a joint programme with Middlesex University, where she also teaches and supervises. Claire also regularly runs an Introduction to Existential Therapy workshop.

Contents Introduction i List of abbreviations ii List of figures and tables iii Part 1 THE DISTINCTIVE THEORETICAL FEATURES OF EXISTENTIAL THERAPY 1 A philosophical rather than a psychological approach to therapy 2 Existential philosophy offers an understanding of what it is like to be human 3 Creating a broader perspective on the wide context of Being-in-the-world 4 Recognising the way in which we relate to Others 5 The effect Time and Temporality have on our existence 6 Intentionality: Understanding the intentional nature of our actions and reactions 7 Focusing on freedom, choice and responsibility 8 Death, Anxiety and Angst 9 Existential Guilt 10 Paradox and the tension of existence 11 Notion of the dynamic Self 12 Authenticity and Inauthenticity 13 Finding purpose and meaning: the original project 14 Values and human worth 15 A well lived life Part 2 THE DISTINCTIVE PRACTICAL FEATURES OF EXISTENTIAL THERAPY 16 Developing a phenomenological attitude 17 The quality of the therapeutic relationship: I-Thou 18 A descriptive exploration 19 Taking stock and being aware of the limitations of life 20 Getting the bigger picture: Four dimensions of existence 21 Living in the world physically 22 Living in the world socially 23 Living in the world personally 24 Living in the world spiritually 25 The emotional world of the client 26 Embodiment 27 Examining the paradoxes of life 28 Revisiting values and beliefs 29 Making meaning and discovering purpose 30 Finding freedom References Index