Existential
and Humanistic Psychology
Existential and humanistic psychologists see people as so unique
and multifaceted that simple descriptions lead to more confusion
than clarification. Based on these and other concepts, humanistic and
existential psychotherapy:
- Avoids generalizations and treats everyone as unique
- Recognizes that loss is fundamental to life and can lead to
feelings of emptiness and purposelessness
- Works with clients to develop their unique selves for
increased fulfillment
- Assists in discovery of meaning and choice
Here are samples of exercises I use with clients seeking to more
deeply experience their unique selves. I offer these for use between
sessions to reinforce our work:
Inner
face/outer face
(click
here): Exploring the images we share with the world and
see internally.
I Am
(click here): Exploring the many facets of
ourselves, some embraced, others shunned.
(Adapted from Drama Games, Tian
Dayton)
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“It is a characteristic of the
American culture that, again and again, one is ordered to “be
happy.” But happiness cannot be pursued, it must ensue. One must
have a reason to “be happy.” Once a reason is found, however one
becomes happy automatically. As we see, a human being is not one
in pursuit of happiness but rather in search of a reason to
become happy . . . through actualizing the potential meaning
inherent and dormant in a situation.”
Viktor Frank, Man’s Search for Meaning, 1959 |
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