Existential Therapy Essay Example

Introduction

Existential theory can be defined as a theory that focuses on questions that all individuals want to familiarize themselves with (Van Deurzen & Adams, 2016). The example of these questions are such as "what is the importance of life? What will take place after my death, and how can I live a life that can be considered worthwhile? Existential had some of its origins in philosophy. This theory is one of the theories that have had various authors. Major existential philosophers are twelve in number (Schneider & Krug, 2010). Besides, some philosophers are the ones who have made existential to be viewed as what it is today. Examples of these philosophers are Medard Boss, Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Buber, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Soren Kierkegaard (Schneider & Krug, 2010). There exist 23 primary existential therapists that have assisted to evolve existential theory. Some of these existential therapists are Soren Kierkegaard, Viktor Frankl, and Rollo May (Hoffman et al., 2015). The paper purposes to talk about existential theory.

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Key Concepts

The key concepts that exist in this movement outline the skills found in existential. It focuses on essence compared to existence. Besides, these concepts could be completed in various ways relying on a personal view on human, for instance, individuals are outlined by their DNA composition, people survive on their own, and humans are social beings (Hoffman et al., 2015). Nevertheless, these concepts have a religious background that people were created on the image and likeness of God (Van Deurzen & Adams 2016). Thus, individuals should acknowledge that they can become self-aware and free to choose the path to follow and shape their destiny. Additionally, these fundamental themes are similar across all people. Some aspects outlined in these fundamental themes are peoples' origin, their knowledge, their identity, and where they are heading to (Hoffman et al., 2015).

Therapeutic Procedures and Application

Existential therapy is being regarded as clients' invitation to acknowledge methods in which they are living a life or making choices that can be assumed to positively impacting to their lives. The objective of this therapy is to help clients to identify when they are not truthful to themselves and make them live a desired lifestyle (Van Deurzen & Adams 2016). By reflecting the past lives, clients are usually encouraged to learn from the past and focus on the present and future by doing away with any emotional attachment from the past incidences.

Digesting what was learned: One should be a new person in the present moment. One should confront or deal with the inability to want or feel (Hoffman et al., 2015). One should deal or identify conflicting needs and assist clients' process any form of regrets.

The existential theory does have various sessions available such as watching a movie, writing and reading. Clients are usually encouraged to express their views freely regarding these sessions and will not be victimized about their feelings (Hoffman et al., 2015). One aspect of a business is that the customer is always right; thus, therapists do not victimize their clients so that they can gain their trust (Hoffman et al., 2015). The reason is that these sessions always come up with issues around disappointments, autonomy, loneliness, neglect, and death.

Theory's Weaknesses

This theory is always complex, dense, and difficult to understand and master. Additionally, it offers little guidance to the practitioners (Wolfe, 2016). Other challenges regarding existential theory are that it deals with the philosophical assumption about self-determination that may not talk about the complex aspects that many individuals who have suffered should handle (Wolfe, 2016). This theory may make it difficult for some clients to adhere to in that some of them do not understand the meaning of self-determination (Corey, 2013).

Theory's Strengths

The strengths of an existential theory are that it consists of contemporary developments that have made it be easier and flexible to apply (Wolfe, 2016). It offers a theoretical framework that is eclectic. Besides, it helps clients to fulfill their potentials in that it is emotionally powerful (Wolfe, 2016).

References

Corey, G. (2015). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Nelson Education

Hoffman, L., Vallejos, L., Cleare-Hoffman, H. P., & Rubin, S. (2015). Emotion, relationship, and meaning as core existential practice: Evidence-based foundations. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy, 45(1), 11-20.

Schneider, K. J., & Krug, O. T. (2010). Existential-humanistic therapy. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Van Deurzen, E., & Adams, M. (2016). Skills in existential counselling & psychotherapy. Sage.

Wolfe, B. E. (2016). Existential-humanistic therapy and psychotherapy integration: A commentary.T