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November, 2012 | SAGE Publications Ltd

Existential Counselling & Psychotherapy in Practice

Third Edition
Emmy van Deurzen - New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, London
264 pages | November, 2012 | SAGE Publications Ltd
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ISBN: 9781446290842
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Offering a concrete framework and practical methods for working from an existential perspective, the bestselling Existential Counselling and Psychotherapy in Practice is now in its Third Edition.

Central to the book is the belief that many of our problems arise out of the essential paradoxes of human existence, rather than from personal pathology. From this perspective, the purpose of counseling and psychotherapy is not viewed as problem-solving, but as a mean of enabling people to come to terms with living life as it is, with all its inherent contradictions.

Emmy van Deurzen, a leading existential philosopher and therapist, presents a practical method of working, using systematic observation, clarification and reflection to help clients rediscover their inner strengths. She shows how personal assumptions, values and talents, once acknowledged, can be turned to constructive use. Using wide-ranging case examples, the author also demonstrates the effectiveness of the existential approach in many different situations - from crisis work to dealing with chronic unhappiness.

The existential approach is a well-respected form of psychotherapy, but most writing on the subject tends to be heavily theoretical. This book offers a practical and accessible alternative, which will be invaluable to those in training as well as to more experienced practitioners.

Introduction: The Origin of Existential Therapy

Basic Assumptions
The Aim of Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling
The Attitude of the Existential Practitioner
Chapter Summary

Starting Point: Anxiety
Towards Authentic Living
Finding Guidelines
Chapter Summary

The Physical World
The Social World
The Personal World
The Spiritual World
Chapter Summary

Defining Assumptions
Determining Values
Exploring Talents
Chapter Summary

Understanding Emotions
Discovering Meaning
Working with Dreams
Playing with Imagination
Chapter Summary

Facing the World Alone
Action and Commitment
Communicating and Relating
Living in Time
Chapter Summary