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It is a more philosophical than technical therapeutic approach, which bases its perspective on existential-phenomenological philosophies. Focusing on the human condition as a whole, Existential Therapy applauds human capabilities and encourages individuals to take responsibility for their successes..
Through dialogue, identify our prejudices and ways of proceeding in life. Has an open disposition towards the particular situation of the patient and his way of experiencing life. It focuses on the conflicts that arise when facing a world that, paradoxically, threatens the particular way in which we have explained our own existence..
Emotional and psychological difficulties are seen as an internal conflict caused by the individual's confrontation with what is determined by his own existence. Rather than delving into the past, the existential approach focuses on the here and now, exploring the human condition as a whole and what it means to an individual..
The roots of Existential Psychotherapy are found in the philosophy of the early 19th century, with the philosophers whose work focused on human existence. The philosophers most commonly associated with Existential Therapy are Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche. These two thinkers came into conflict with respect to the prevailing ideologies of their time, for which they committed themselves to the exploration of reality and the way it is experienced..
Kierkegaard's theory of human discontent can only be overcome through inner wisdom, while Nietzsche introduced the idea of free will and personal responsibility. In the 1900 philosophers like Sartre and Heidegger had begun to explore the role of interpretation and research had in the healing process..
Over the next several decades other contemporaries began to recognize the importance of 'experimenting' in terms of achieving psychological well-being..
A key element of Existential Orientation is that it does not emphasize past events like some other types of therapy. The approach takes into account the past, through hindsight to understand the implications of past events. But instead of blaming the events of the past, the existential orientation uses them as vision, becoming a tool to promote freedom and assertiveness. Concluding that you are not defined by your history and that you are not destined to have a certain future is often a breakthrough that liberation offers during this type of therapy..
Practitioners of Existential Therapy say its role is to help facilitate an individual's own encounter with himself to work together as he explores values, assumptions, and ideals. An existential therapist will seek to avoid imposing his own judgments and instead to help elucidate the person and work on his own perspective.
The therapist must enter sessions with an open mind and be willing to question their own biases and assumptions. Must perform an almost deliberate naivety exercise in the therapeutic relationship, the therapist's goal is to understand the client's own assumptions with a clarity that the individual may not be able to have about himself.
A central belief of the existential orientation is that, despite the fact that human beings are essentially unique in the world, they yearn to be connected with other fellow humans. This belief can help explain why certain problems appear and also help the person understand why they feel the way they sometimes do..
Another interesting theory is that internal conflict stems from the individual's confrontation with the principles of existence. These data were observed by psychotherapist Irvin D. Yalom, and include:
These four primary concerns are the cornerstones of Existential Psychotherapy and make up the framework in which the therapist identifies the individual's problem. Once the topic has been conceptualized by the therapist, a treatment method can be developed..
Within Existential Psycho-therapy there is a description of four different levels of experience and the existence that people inevitably face. These can often help people understand the context of their concerns. It is believed that a person's orientation towards the world and the four realms defines their reality. There are several names for the four realms within existential therapy, however the following are perhaps the best known:
This world or realm is centered around the physical. It is the world we share with animals, the world of bodily needs. It is the world that stores desire, relief, sleep / wake cycles, and nature. Birth, death and physical feelings / symptoms are also part of this realm.
In the social world there is everything related to relationships. Culture, society and language are here, as well as work, attitudes towards authority, community and family. Emotions, friendships and romantic relationships are also part of the social world.
The personal world deals with one's problems. This includes intimacy (with oneself and others), identity, personal characteristics, and general sense of self. Personal strengths and weaknesses are also important, as well as the question of being authentic.
The last kingdom is considered our "ideal" world. Religion, values, beliefs, and transformation are included. This is the dimension in which we give meaning to our life and it is considered the realm of transcendence..
One of the primary goals of Existential Therapy is to help people face life's anxieties head-on and embrace the freedom of choice that human beings have, taking full responsibility for these choices when they do. Existential therapists try to help people live more authentically and be less interested or superficial. They also encourage clients to take ownership of their lives, to find meaning and to live fully in the present..
Individuals who are interested in self-examination and who view their concerns as life issues rather than the symptoms of a psychiatric illness are more likely to benefit from this approach to counseling. Existential Therapy is also very suitable for those who face problems of existence, for example, those with a terminal illness, those who think about suicide, or even those who go through a transition in their life..
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