The Psychology Of Existential Counseling

Over the time in this course I have been drawn to the Person – Centered Theory, I feel like that is what my personality is like, and I would love to continue to grow strong and practice theory that comes natural to me. This is the theory I scored highest on my Selective Theory Sorter- Revised Questionnaire. Person-Centered therapy will have great significance to my development as a professional counselor for the reason that I already think of myself as a very authentic, sympathetic and accepting person. I am an excellent listener, and I have learned to process my thoughts before I speak. I think that a consoling therapist/client relationship is indispensable to the counseling process. Another reason I like this psychotherapy/theory is because

Person-centered therapy views people from a positive perspective. While therapists may not always agree with the choices that a person makes, they always try to accept a person for who they are. The belief is that people can change and become self-actualized. Person-centered therapy focuses on the belief that people’s personalities are influenced by internal and external factors. These experiences will be different for everyone, because we are all exposed to different social and

A phenomenological focus in existential counselling relates to the degree in which a therapist attempts to stay with the lived experiences of the client (Spinelli, 1989). The phenomenological method, as explained by Spinelli (1989), has a foundation of three main rules to guide the therapist. The first rule of ‘epoche’, recommends putting aside any prejudices and biases, as well as expectations or pre-conceived judgements that may arise when interacting with a client (Spinelli, 1989). This often requires the use of bracketing. Spinelli, highlights that completely bracketing perspectives is impossible (Cooper, 2003), However, the main factor relates to a willingness to bracket perspectives. For example, in the “Love’s Executioner”, Yalom (2012, p. 3) describes having disbelief that his client of seventy years could be in love but attempts to bracket this thought by maintaining objectivity throughout the encounter. The second rule called description, involves a focus on description over explanation (Cooper, 2003). Therapists are recommended to avoid theories and explanations of the experience, instead making a focus of staying with the lived experience as it actually is (Spinelli, 1989). For example, in “The Wrong One Died”, Yalom (2012, p. 90) avoids an explanation of what his clients dream means, in favour of asking the client to describe the feelings that arose throughout the

In counselling and psychotherapy, it is fundamental aspect for practitioners to use theory as a way of informing the way the work with a client.(McLeod). The goal of this essay is to explore the humanistic personality theory of Carl Rogers. The essay will begin by giving a summary

Values, Morals, and Beliefs are components that play a role in an individual’s self-identity. The establishment of these components shape human nature, behavior, and the development of an individual’s purpose. The basis of these fundamentals has contributed to my desire to become a counselor. This paper will discuss my views of human nature, factors of behavior changes, goals of therapy, the roles of a therapist, and the counseling approaches that I chose to incorporate in a practice.

My top five theories are Gestalt, Reality, Person Centered, Existential and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Within these five theories my top five aspects that I would like to incorporate into my own personal model of counseling is as follows: 1.) From Gestalt therapy I would incorporate staying with the feeling and use experiments along with internal dialogue exercises (Corey, 2013). The aspect of getting to the root of unfinished business in regards to impasse is appealing in regards to this theory as well as the idea that it moves the client to a place where they are more confident asking for help (Corey, 2013) 2.) From the Reality Therapy approach I would incorporate the WDEP technique (Corey, 2013). I feel that it is of the most importance to recognize what one wants from his or her life and to be able to verbalize and have an action based, planned path that moves one towards the goal (Corey, 2013). 3.) From the Person Centered Approach I would incorporate genuineness, unconditional positive regard and accurate empathic understanding (Corey, 2013). In regards to the therapeutic process when working with people in crisis I believe this model is most effective (Corey, 2013). 4.) From an Existential Therapy approach I would incorporate the aspect of guiding the client to a place of awareness. I believe being aware of why one is not living their life fully is very important to moving a person toward making choices that will get them to a life that is more authentic to who

As a counseling student, it is very important to formulate a counseling theory tailored to ones’ own personality and beliefs. A counselor may choose a single theory to model when practicing therapy or pick and choose components and techniques from various theories, otherwise known as eclecticism. No theory is considered right or wrong. Understanding the different therapeutic approaches are important to effective counseling, however, counselors must also understand their own personal value, view of human nature, human behavior, counseling techniques and the purpose and goals of counseling. Understanding these components along with the different theoretical approaches will provide the counselor with a 9 knowledge of their own counseling, orientation and is essential to not only the productivity of counseling but the growth of the counselor as well.

Different counseling theories, such as psychoanalytic, Adlerian, client-centered therapy, existential psychotherapy, gestalt therapy, and reality therapy can be applied to different clinical settings and populations by a counselor or therapist (Rayner & Vitali, 2015). The purpose of this paper is to apply a counseling theory, existential therapy, to the provided case study of Paul, a 34-year-old male with work inhibition, but yearns for more in his life. Essentially, counseling theories can be used a foundation for counselor’s or therapist’s work with clients. It is one of the most unique forms of counseling theories that aims at exploring the psychological and emotional challenges faced by a client from a philosophical perspective, particularly

This complete acceptance, without judgement and criticism, is important for a client to start to value and accept themselves. In order for a therapist to be able to show unconditional positive regard, they need to know, accept and value themselves and be in touch with their own values and morals. I think that the more a therapist is accepting of who they are themselves, the better they will be able to accept and respect their clients.

This application paper will discuss my personal theory of counseling or psychotherapy in a number of different areas. Specifically, I will discuss the seven areas of interest. First, I will discuss and describe

The humanistic view puts emphasis on the good in people and focuses on self-actualization by recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses. The existentialist view emphasizes self-determination and responsibility while focusing on authenticity. In the Rogers' humanistic theory, the belief rose that unconditional positive regard is a basic human need. If it is not received, an individual becomes incapable of self-actualization because their understanding of their needs is distorted. This theory utilizes client-centered therapy, where therapists provide empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard.

There are a lot of aspect from this theory that stand consistent my personal and professional values. The therapeutic goal of this therapy I believe provides a much better outcome for the client. Even though I do believe that knowledge, theories, and techniques are important in counseling, person-centered therapist uses their selves as instrument of change by encountering clients on a person to person level. I believe that using self as an instrument provides the client with more comfortability, because the client can almost feel as if they are interacting with some ordinary person who she is comfortable enough to be open while interacting with the counselor. Person-Centered if utilized proper I believe will always provide the client with a

This paper investigated the relationship between fundamental concepts and considerations of several prominent theories that directly resonated with the author. Included in these pivotal theories; a discussion of how Existential Psychotherapy, Person Centered Therapy (PCT), Gestalt, and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) could be augmented and integrated into a comprehensive approach to therapy when valued as harmonizing functions of personality. The theories were explored in relation to personality development, distress, effective functioning, and motivation and how the therapeutic relationship, counseling process, and interventions remained effective. Through research, course work, and life experience, the author developed a viewpoint that

2.  The root of the problem which causes people to seek to counsel is their inability to find meaning and purpose in their lives. Many have and will continue to ask existential questions such as, “what is my purpose” and “what am I striving for?” Unfortunately, the search to answer these questions have caused many great agonies in answering.  The theory states that when an individual is unable to motivate their own will to live and/ or make meaning out of life, they become immobile. Consequently, this immobility makes living difficult, which in essence results in the development of psychological disruptions.  Suicide, for example, is one disruption that can stem from one feeling not only alone, but feeling as if life has no meaning.  Those who seek this form of therapy are in search for the meaning of their personal life.  Gaining insight into the fears about death, loneliness, meaninglessness, and defense mechanisms will, according to theory, discontinue inauthentic and unhealthy living.

In the case of Stan at the fifth existential therapy session, I found the therapy very positive for Stan, the client. The connection Stan had with Dr. Corey, the therapist, seemed comfortable and Stan opened up more during the session. I liked when Dr. Corey kept asking Stan to talk a little more about his father’s hospital visit. Stan revealed, he felt selfish for thinking he wanted his Dad to see him finish his degree when his Dad might die. Dr. Corey used that statement as a positive and encouraged Stan that feeling the way he felt and was okay. I felt Dr. Corey made such a connection when he listened and reiterated what Stan told him about the way he felt and what was bothering him. In turn, Stan seemed better at the end of the session.