Existential counseling/ theory Background of theorist who develop Existential Counseling and Theory The concept of existential therapy emerged from the philosophies of Soren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche. Kierkegaard believed that human discontent could be solved through internal wisdom. Later, in his own work, Nietzsche developed a theory of existentialism that focused on concepts such as personal responsibility and will power. The theory was later adapted by other philosopher including Otto Rank who was one of the first individuals to actively pursue the practice of existential therapy in the 1900s using his theory of Will. 2 What is the existential therapy model? Existential therapy involves focusing on the client's current problems and concerns instead of past events. This style of therapy is commonly utilized by therapists who believe that focusing on the past can help promote newfound goals and freedom. Through this method, the client can become more aware of the current situation and move away from the shackles that keep them from being able to fully develop their potential. 3 Con't Although some aspects of existential therapy are considered controversial, such as the psychopathology dysfunction, they are not considered major issues in this type of therapy. (McCarthy & Archer, 2013). Individuals suffering from various psychological conditions, such as anxiety and depression, can benefit from existential therapy. In existential therapy, the client is asked to consider their inner struggles. According to Irvin Yalom, these problems can be addressed through a philosophical perspective. 4 Con't The existential counseling also aims to increase their awareness of their own power to transform their lives. This type of therapy is called existential counseling, and it involves working together with patients to develop their own perspectives. The therapist is also a fully conscious individual who helps the client develop their own viewpoint. 5 Con't The goal of this type of therapy is to help the client live in their own way. As a part of their work, existential therapists often focus on helping their patients take ownership of their lives. They do not utilize a set of practices that are commonly used in this type of therapy. Instead, they utilize techniques that were derived from various ideologies. This allows them to provide their patients with unique and creative counseling. 6 How does existential therapy work? According to therapists who practice existential therapy, the goal is to help clients accept responsibility for their actions. There are no specific techniques that are needed in order to practice this type of therapy, and practitioners use various theories to create their own unique approaches. Existential therapy helps patients embrace their current situation and their goals without regard to the past. They believe that the past can be helpful, but it’s not meant to inform anything that’s currently happening in life. 7 Con't Instead, they encourage their patients to use their life-enhancing experiences to make decisions and develop their behaviors for the future. This process is designed to help them think and act without worrying about their fears or anxiety. Through existential therapy, patients can find meaning in their lives even though they have fears and worries. They can live a more authentic life by developing their own positive mindset and making choices based on their own values. 8 Scripture that supports or refutes the Existential theory Believing that people should have an authentic and balanced identity, existential therapy aims to help individuals develop a unique and balanced mindset. This process involves identifying themselves in an honest and authentic way. This freedom is similar to God's gift of freedom to allow people to choose whom they will serve (Josh. 24:15).. Although this method can help individuals identify their own answers, it conflicts with the Christian belief that people should have objective morals(Tweedie, 1961). 9 Pros of the Existential Theory Purpose of Life- One of the goals of existential therapy is to help the client make sense of her life and experiences. This type of counseling focuses on the various existential questions that people have in life. The goal of this process is to help the client make informed decisions and take responsibility for their actions. In addition to these, the client is also asked to ponder other important questions such as why they exist and what is the point of their life (Renata R. 2017) 10 Pros con't Person- centered-- The concept of existential therapy is a person-centered approach that focuses on the client's autonomy. It involves the counselor accepting the client's decision-making abilities and treating him or her with respect. This type of therapy is also humanistic in nature, as it values the individual's dignity and worth. Unlike traditional therapy, existential therapies do not involve the client being analyzed or made to feel like a burden. Instead, the counselor focuses on the client's unique experiences. This type of therapy is also very authentic and allows the therapist to be present with the client (Renata R. ,2017). Cons of the Existential Theory Intellectualization-Some people have criticized existential counseling as being too intellectual. They claim that individuals who are not able to connect with the process of self-examination and deep self-reflection may not be able to benefit from this type of therapy. Instead, people who are seeking a more direct approach may benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy.(Renata R. ,2017). 12 Cons con't Conflict with religion- Critics say that existential counseling is an act of discrimination against religious faith, and it is in essence an atheistic form of therapy. This criticism could be caused by the belief that some of the theorists who helped develop existential thought have atheistic beliefs. In addition, existential counseling tends to ask people to think about various aspects of life, such as what the purpose of life is and why people exist. This may be a conflict for some people, as they believe that religion should be involved in the process of answering existential questions. However, proponents of the therapy insist that it is not the role of religion to determine what is best for people.(Renata R. ,2017) Nursing Scenario on existential Counseling In this scenario, I will be talking about a woman who was recently diagnosed with lung cancer. She had just given birth to a baby girl two months before her diagnosis. After being diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer, I tried to comfort her. However, she told me that she was afraid that she would die and leave her kids without a mother. She was also afraid that she would not be able to spend time with her new baby. 14 The patient wept as she stated this isn’t fair nurse why me? why now? I am finally happy after a long life of struggling! I tried to help her by reassuring her after she is gone, she will be watching over her kids, and after she was gone. Her husband and her family member would be there to look after her kids. Although she seemed less anxious, she was still distressed and agitated because she could no longer look after her family. She said she would not find peace until she is sure that her family especially her kids are well taken care of. 15 Cont’d To help her, I contacted the social worker who was able to arrange for her family and friends to attend to her needs and discuss further steps to be taken. The nurse's intervention helped to relieve the patient’s anxiety. It also gave her hope to be reunited with late relatives again. By helping the patient find someone to look after her kids, the nurse ensured that she would still be able to fulfill her responsibilities as a mother. 16 Conclusion Existential therapy aims to help clients accept their actions as their responsibility. Unlike other forms of therapy, existential therapy doesn't require specific techniques or procedures. Instead, practitioners utilize various theories to create their unique approaches. One of the most important factors a good counselor should consider is being able to connect on a personal level with their clients. 17 References Deurzen E, V, (n.d.). Existential Psychology. Academia. https://www.academia.edu/35967860/Title_Existential_Psychology Renata R. (2017). Pros and Cons of Existential Counseling. Classroom. https://classroom.synonym.com/advantagesdisadvantages-of-a-projective-test-12543041.html 18 References Existential therapy: empirical evidence and clinical applications from a Christian perspective. (n.d.) >The Free Library. (2014). https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Existential+therapy%3a+empirical+evidence+a nd+clinical+applications...-a0342175860 Holland K. (2020). What Is Existential Theory and How Is It Used in Therapy? Health line https://www.healthline.com/health/mentalhealth/existential-theory 19 Thank you
