My Philosophical Approach To Counseling

My Philosophical Approach to Counseling

Definition of Existential Therapy

One survey taken by Corey suggests a definition of Existential Therapy include two key elements:

Existential Therapy is essentially an approach to counseling and therapy rather than a firm theoretical model, it stresses core human conditions.

Normally, personality development is based on the uniqueness of each individual. Sense of self develops from infancy. Self determination and a tendency toward growth are control ideas. Focus is on the present and on what one is becoming; that is the approach has a future orientation. It stresses self-awareness before action. (1996, p.465)

In layman terms, Existential therapy can be described as a philosophical approach that is not designed to cure people but instead help the client reflect and search for value and meaning in life. Existential Therapy does not supply a cookbook of methods like other approaches but instead it provides a framework that is adaptable to the therapist, in which to view the individual and the world in which they participate.

Definition of Person-Centered (Client-Centered) Therapy

According to Mosby's Medical, Nursing, and Allied Health Dictionary, client-centered therapy is a non directive method of group or individual psychotherapy, originated by Carl Rogers, in which the role of the therapist is to listen to and reflect or restate without judgment or interpretation the words of the client.

Objectives of Existential Therapy

The objectives of Existential Therapy are quite unique. Existential counselors are focused on helping the client achieve and expand their self- awareness. Many Therapist assume once self awareness is achieved, the client can examine new ways of dealing with problems and except the responsibility of choosing. Objectives of Client-centered Therapy

The objective of client-centered therapy is to assist the client to experience self exploration, so that they can identify problems that are hindering their growth process. Essentially, the main goal of client-centered therapy is to have the client achieve a sense of increased awareness and understanding of his attitudes, feelings, and behaviors.

Professional Opinions

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...ce of Counseling and Psychotherapy. (Rev. ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Coleman.

Hacker, D. J. (1994). An Existential View of Adolescence. Journal of Early

Adolescence. 14. (3), 300-327.

Kendall, P., & Southam-Gerow, M.(1996). Long-term follow-up of a Cognitive-

Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety-Disordered Youth. Journal of Consulting and

Clinical Psychology. 64.(4), 724-730.

Porter, R. L., Wagner W., Johnson, J., & Cox, L. M. (1996). Sexually abused girls' verbalizations in counseling: an application of the client behavior system. [CD-ROM]. Journal of Counseling Psychology. 43. (4), 383-389. Abstract from:

Health Reference Center. File Number: 18987461.

Westman, A. S., (1992). Existential Anxiety as Related to Conceptualization of

Self and of Death, Denial of Death, and Religiosity. Psychological Reports. 71.

1064-1066.

Abstract

This paper examined two philosophical and humanistic approaches I have chosen as my rationale to counseling and psychotherapy. The paper will define and explain the objectives and techniques of these two dynamic therapies.

Furthermore, it will illustrate existential and client-centered therapy's importance in regards to treating adolescence.