Existential psychotherapy

Existential therapy starts with the belief that although humans are essentially alone in the world, we long to be connected to others. People want to have meaning in each others lives, but ultimately we must come to realize that we cannot depend on others for our validation, and with that realization we finally acknowledge and understand that we are fundamentally alone. The result of this revelation is anxiety in the knowledge that our validation must come from within and not from others.

Background

The philosophers who are especially pertinent to the development of existential psychotherapy are those whose work is directly aimed at making sense of human existence. But the philosophical movements that are of most importance and that have been directly responsible for the generation of existential therapy are phenomenology and existential philosophy.

The starting point of existential philosophy can be traced back to the last century and the work of Kierkegaard and Nietzsche. Both were in conflict with the predominant ideologies of their time and committed to the exploration of reality as it can be experienced in a passionate and personal manner.

Rollo May Existential Psychotherapy Video

See legendary Existential Psychotherapy master Rollo May in a dialogue on what matters most in the practice of psychotherapy. Rollo May explores his own unique therapy style, reflects on his work with clients, and gets specific on what we can take and leave from other influential psychotherapists.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cay743y-Sak