"An excellent 'primer.' This is the type of text that I would have liked to have read when I was first introduced to the existential-phenomenological approach within psychology. It is clearly written and jargon-free. . . . I highly recommend this book as a very good introduction." --Mufid James Hannush in Journal of Phenomenological Psychology Are psychological problems brought on by social pressure, biology, culture, or personal pathology? Or are they the by-product of the essential paradoxes of human existence? This volume offers the practicing therapist a concrete framework for understanding both the role of the counselor and the concept of anxiety in contemporary society. But more importantly, the author demonstrates practical methods for applying an existential approach to counseling. Counseling is not presented as a problem-solving or skill-building exercise; rather, it is seen as a process enabling the client to come to terms with living life as it is, with all its inherent contradictions. Through an abundant use of case illustrations, the author clearly demonstrates the effectiveness of existential counseling in many different areas of therapy, from crisis intervention to work with chronic unhappiness. Written in a simple, elegant style by a leading authority on therapy techniques, this volume will prove an indispensable guide to the existential approach for all counselors and students of counseling. "Offers a very readable account of counselling from an existential perspective. Numerous case histories are used to illustrate common dilemmas in people's lives. . . . The book flows in a sensitive narrative on the problems of living and neurotic ways of denying and dealing withconflict. . . . It reads more like a commentary on people's lives, rather than a structured and informative introduction to Existential Counselling. . . .I enjoyed the book immensely and it is well recommended as a balance to the technically loaded manuals of today." --British Journal of Medical Psychology "This is a book worthy of wide acclaim as it fills a missing philosophical gap in therapy in Western civilization. The author writes clearly and simply in plain English. She presents existential thought as an easily accessible coherent body of work. The book is full of case histories where seemingly meaningless psychotic episodes are later explained. Also there are cases of despair, depression and meaninglessness quoted which is what makes this book so necessary for our times of mass production, mass media and mass alienation." --Suggestions: The Newsletter of the Association of Professional Therapists "A process of continuous questioning and clarification helps clients to examine their natural, public, private, and ideal worlds; to discover and explore their basic assumptions and view of the world; and thereby to learn what it means to be true to themselves. The book is intended for counselors and psychotherapists but can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in existentialism, providing a coherent, readable, and easily understood description of existentialism and its use as a treatment form. It makes a strong case for the value of fostering independence and authenticity in clients through the use of the Socratic method rather than empathy. . . . This author emphasizes the role of the counselor as an educator. She cites many case histories, some of whose outcomes seem almostmiraculous. the book is worth reading." --Readings: A Journal of Reviews and Commentary in Mental Health "A lucid, highly readable, and solid introduction to this school of thought in the helping professions. . . . An existential approach is appealing, particularly to helping professionals who concern themselves with their clients' spiritual needs." --Review and Expositor "This book provides an excellent source from which to examine the extent to which cognitive therapy is informed by existentialism. The reader is promised a logical application of the ideas of existential philosophy that translate into practical counselling methods. This promise is fulfilled. The book is full of succinct case examples which illustrate the principles clearly." --British Journal of Guidance and Counselling

The definitive account of existential psychotherapy. First published in 1980, Existential Psychotherapy is widely considered to be the foundational text in its field— the first to offer a methodology for helping patients to develop more adaptive responses to life’s core existential dilemmas. In this seminal work, American psychiatrist Irvin Yalom finds the essence of existential psychotherapy and gives it a coherent structure, synthesizing its historical background, core tenets, and usefulness to the practice. Organized around what Yalom identifies as the four "ultimate concerns of life"—death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness—the book takes up the meaning of each existential concern and the type of conflict that springs from our confrontation with each. He shows how these concerns are manifest in personality and psychopathology, and how treatment can be helped by our knowledge of them. Drawing from clinical experience, empirical research, philosophy, and great literature, Yalom provides an intellectual home base for those psychotherapists who have sensed the incompatibility of orthodox theories with their own clinical experience, and opens new doors for empirical research. The fundamental concerns of therapy and the central issues of human existence are woven together here as never before, with intellectual and clinical results that have surprised and enlightened generations of readers.

This is the definitive practical introduction to a skills-based approach in existential therapy. Accessible for those without a philosophical background, it describes the concrete and tangible skills, tasks and interactions of existential practice. It covers the theoretical background and history of existential therapy, along with taking a phenomenological approach to practice and individual clients. This second edition has been thoroughly updated to reflect recent thinking, and expanded to include: * A new chapter on the applications of existential therapy in wider contexts, such as supervision and coaching. * A new chapter covering professional issues and challenges, such as working in the NHS, engaging with research and the use of the Internet in existential therapy. * A companion website which includes video content, featuring the authors explaining each chapter’s underpinning theory, and demonstrating the principles in practice. A much needed resource for trainees as well as experienced practitioners keen to expand their knowledge, the authors make the existential approach accessible to all those who wish to find out what it has to offer.

′A concise introduction to existential counselling is a superb addition to the literature on existential counselling and psychotherapy. Martin Adams provides an excellent overview of the field for those who are new to it at the same time as distilling key features in a way which will be valuable for experienced practitioners′ - Meg Barker, Senior Lecturer in Psychology at the Open University A Concise Introduction to Existential Counselling is just that: a brief and accessible pocket guide to the underlying theory & practice of the existential approach. Addressing everything a new trainee needs to know and do in a way that is entirely accessible and jargon-free, this book: - Provides a short history of the existential tradition - Puts key concepts into contexts, showing how theory translates into practice - Discusses issues in the therapeutic process - Shows how to work effectively with whatever the client brings to the session - Addresses the significance of existential thought in the wider world This book will be the perfect companion to new trainees looking to embark on their path to thinking and practicing existentially. Martin Adams is a practitioner and supervisor in private practice and a Lecturer at the New School of Psychotherapy and Regents College, both in London.

Less of an orientation and more a way of understanding the challenges of being human, existential therapy draws on rich and diverse philosophical traditions and ways of viewing the world. Traditionally it has been seen as difficult to summarise and comprehend and the air of mystery surrounding existential ideas has been exacerbated by the dense language often used by philosophers and practitioners. Existential Therapy: 100 Key Points and Techniques provides a comprehensive and accessible guide to a fascinating and exciting body of knowledge, and the therapeutic approach it informs. Divided into five parts the topics covered include: Existentialism – inception to present day Theoretical assumptions Existential phenomenological therapy in practice Ethics and existential therapy Bringing it all together Existential Therapy: 100 Key Points and Techniques will be essential reading for all trainee and qualified counsellors, psychotherapists, psychologists and psychiatrists who want to use the wisdom of existential ideas in their work with clients. It will also benefit clients and potential clients who want to find out how existential ideas and existential therapy can help them explore what it means to be alive.

This book is for trainees and practitioners across the orientations who wish to incorporate an existential approach into their practice. Using a pluralistic perspective that recognises the diversity of clients and their individual needs, it shows trainees how and when existential concepts and practices can be used alongside other approaches. A wealth of resources and the author’s writing style make this is one of the most accessible and inspiring introductions to existential therapy. Videos of existential counselling in practice and written case studies ensure existential theory is illustrated in practice, while reflective questions and exercises help trainees relate notoriously complex existential themes to their own knowledge and experience. A companion website offers relevant journal articles, video tutorials on existential counselling skills, the results of the author’s survey of the ‘Top 10’ existential films, novels and songs, and much more. This passionate and insightful book is the ideal guide to help your trainees understand existential therapy and learn how to integrate its ideas and practices into their therapeutic work. Mick Cooper is Professor of Counselling Psychology at University of Roehampton.

Existential psychotherapy has emerged as an approach that is distinctively different to that of the other models and systems within psychotherapy. It provides a set of significant challenges to, and critiques of, contemporary Western psychotherapy both at the level of theory and of practice. Although a substantial amount of writing that seeks to describe and delineate the theoretical underpinnings of existential psychotherapy already exists, this is not the case with texts dealing with the application of theory in the form of practice. Practising Existential Psychotherapy examines the unique qualities and possibilities of an existential approach to psychotherapy. Drawn from Ernesto Spinelli's own experience as an internationally recognised theorist, lecturer and practitioner, the book's overall aim is to provide a thorough and accessible explication of existential psychotherapy in practice. Beginning with an overview of the theoretical underpinnings and distinguishing features of existential psychotherapy, the text describes and develops a three-phase structural model for its practice. As well as describing the key components of each phase, the text provides descriptive examples and topic-focused exercises designed to assist readers in developing their own practice-based understanding of existential psychotherapy. Ernesto Spinelli is a Professor in the School of Psychotherapy and Counselling at Regent's College, London.

′Scholarly yet accessible, required reading for students of existential psychotherapy.′ Tim Le Bon is a UKCP registered psychotherapist, life coach, philosophical counsellor and author of Wise Therapy This contemporary introduction provides a comprehensive survey of past and present existential ideas, philosophers and practice. Darren Langdridge makes existential therapy accessible through clear language, numerous case studies, chapter summaries, activities and further reading lists. The three parts cover all the key areas taught on existential therapy courses, from the fundamental theory of - and key figures in - the approach, to its application in practice. The final section advances theory and practice by exploring contemporary cross-cutting issues in existential therapy, including the role of research, power, politics, and language. Trainees to existential therapy will find in this book a comprehensive, practical overview of the key areas of theory and practice, while more experienced trainees and practitioners will gain insights into contemporary developments in existential therapy today. Dr Darren Langdridge is Head of the Department of Psychology at The Open University, Honorary Professor of Psychology at Aalborg University, Denmark and a UKCP accredited existential psychotherapist.

Existential Perspectives on Human Issues offers students, teachers and practitioners alike a definitive handbook for the practice of existential psychotherapy. For the first time leading figures from the existential field have been brought together to discuss a wide range of issues fundamental to human existence and consequently therapeutic work with clients. Divided into four parts, the book presents different dimensions of living; physical, social, personal and spiritual. Each chapter gives a brief overview of the literature on the topic under discussion as well as a historical background. Theory and practice are addressed with case illustrations highlighting particular relevance. Critical considerations, possible drawbacks and research needs are additionally detailed and suggested further reading is given.

`A lucid and much-needed account of existential psychotherapy... As well as locating existential psychotherapy within a historical and philosophical context, Hans Cohn encompasses various therapeutic issues and provides some vivid and sensitive passages of case material... I found the book provided a concise and clarifying account of the underlying philosophy and of the psychotherapeutic practice... The existentialist challenge to Freud outlined in the book provides an alternative point of view to counter potentially engulfing aspects of a psychoanalytic vision. This is a stimulating book which is a valuable contribution towards dialogue between different approaches of psychotherapy' - International Journal of Psychotherapy