Exploring Existential Psychotherapy: Theorists, Principles, and Applications

• Counselling
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)

Exploring Existential Psychotherapy: Theorists, Principles, and Applications

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will be able to identify the main theorists of existential psychotherapy, understand its principles, and recognize its clinical applications.

What do you already know about existential psychotherapy?

Introduction to Existential Psychotherapy

Existential psychotherapy focuses on exploring the human condition, freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning in life. It emphasizes individual experience and the unique perspective of each person.

Main Theorists

1. Rollo May: American existential psychologist. 

2. Viktor Frankl: Austrian psychiatrist 

and Holocaust survivor. 

3. Irvin Yalom: American psychiatrist 

and author.

Principles of Existential Psychotherapy

1. Freedom and responsibility. 2. Search for meaning. 3. Authenticity and self-awareness. 4. The here and now. 5. Relationship and connection.

Clinical Applications

Existential psychotherapy can be applied in treating anxiety, depression, existential crises, and issues related to meaninglessness. It focuses on helping individuals find purpose and meaning in their lives.

Theory Components

1. Phenomenology - the study of subjective experiences. 2. Existentialism - the exploration of existence and the individual's place in the world. 3. Logotherapy - finding meaning in suffering.

Quiz: Theorists and Principles

1. Who is known for his work in logotherapy? 2. What are the main principles of existential psychotherapy?

Quiz Answers and Discussion

1. Viktor Frankl. 2. Freedom and responsibility, search for meaning, authenticity, the here and now, and relationship and connection.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.