Theories of Counseling - Existential Therapy

[@55nublet]

Thank you for your explanations of the different therapies. I am a grad student trying to identify with my theoretical orientation. I find these videos beneficial in the process and I appreciate that you give your take on each in the opinions area. Very well done, Thanks again.

[@Miss_AriStarry]

His video helps me understand what I'm reading in my text book. Sometimes, the text is hard to understand. I'm reading but not comprehending so watching the video helps me tremendously

[@angelagrimes3994]

I appreciate that existential therapy provides a place for individuals to address basic human fears that are often the profound issues of human existence - life, death, isolation, emptiness, what is my purpose. I think there are far too few opportunities in today's society to grapple with these issues which may actually be the underlying foundations for depression and anxiety.

[@tyonnabrooks748]

I think this theory is great for virtually all ages; however, I see this specifically working very well for adolescents. During adolescent years, there is a lot of conflict or question about freedom, responsibility, and meaning of life. I think it’s good that counselor’s don’t dwell on the past as they may appear to be seeming authoritative or parent like.

[@wandamixon5360]

This overview is helpful in understanding Existential Therapy and determining advantages and disadvantages in using the therapy. As a potential counselor, it is important to understand the role of the counselor as directive vs. nondirective. I am finding that I am able to place therapies such as this on a continuum, which aids in knowing who is responsible for what in reaching goals or a desired outcome.

[@brittbell15]

I liked learning new things about this form of therapy. One of the topics that I found most inspiring while watching this video was when Dr. Grande was discussing existential anxiety. He explained how this type of anxiety is normal. He also stated how it could be avoided for a short period of time if the individual believed as though they were safe and secure. He then mentioned that although safety and security could be a short term solution for this type of anxiety, Existential therapist do not believe in safety and security. He says that they believe that one has to accept and acknowledge the uncertainties of life. I found that to be very inspiring and commendable; just because there is a quick solution to a problem (such as having the client believe that they will always feel safe and secure) does not make it the best solution. What is most beneficial for a client may take the most time and effort but it will leave the best imprint on his or her life and on his or her heart.

[@tracey6999]

I like Existential and Carl Rogers Person Centered theories, because there are so many similarities between the both. I especially like the promotion of positive growth in the client and that there is an equal relationship between the counselor and client, but it would be difficult to be non-directive in opinion as a counselor for me in reference to not being able to give direction to one who needs it most and help not set goals for the client, because their coming to you for help. Most importantly, I think that is why it is not a great idea to just settle on one theoretical orientation as a counselor and learn them all for the sake of your client. Metaphorically, there are several ways to learn Math, but always only one answer, the same applies with the helping relationship, different individuals, different issues, remaining open and empathetic is pretty worldwide. I agree there are many restrictions in this type of therapy. Nice job in breaking this theory down, very easy to understand, thank you!!

[@jackieslavin2150]

I really love this series of videos. I find them extremely educational. I was very confused about some things and this video helped me to better understand this theory. I like that existential therapy talks about the freedom of choices in shaping ones own life. A person is responsible for the outcome of her or her own life according to this theory. This theory teaches that each person is unique. That uniqueness forms their personality. I really like this theory.

[@lizconnor1820]

The one aspect of the existential theory of counseling that I particularly like is that the counselor has to be authentic and have addressed their own existential issues as well. Given that all of us at some point will face an existential crisis, a counselor trained in this theory can truly lead by example and facilitate the development of authenticity and genuineness in a client dealing with fears of isolation, meaninglessness, death, lack of relationships, guilt, and emptiness. In this respect, clients can find meaning in their lives, take responsibility for their own lives, and form intimate healthy relationships with others. Personally, I think all of us could benefit from including some aspects of existential counseling in our toolbox!

[@monicaperry13]

I agree with you Liz. I think that the therapist being authentic and addressing their own issue can only strengthen the therapeutic alliance, which is crucial when working with clients. I think this theory can be used in conjunction with many other theories.

[@tommyfisher-klein8768]

One of the things that I will take away from this lecture is the idea of the four ways of being in the world: Eigenwelt, Mitwelt, Umwelt and Uberwelt. I think it does a really good job of breaking down each of the constructs or different parts of a persons' life and helps explain how each segment is separate yet still interconnected and entwined.

[@corinne7324]

I admire Existential Therapy most out of the therapies I have learned. Working with the concept of the here and now is something that I feel is beneficial to solving the clients problem in the present. I also love Perl Fritz and admire his work with Gloria. I love the confrontation aspect of his work.

[@BunnyUK]

Dear Dr. Grande, I am going through a very traumatic time at the moment, and I just wanted to say I'm finding your videos to be very comforting, as well as educative. Thank you so much for all your efforts to upload these videos, they are helping me profoundly.

[@DrGrande]

You're welcome!

[@ashleymegahan5966]

I like this therapy and can see how it would be useful when working with clients. I think it's great for counselors to emphasize the relationship with the client, which is a key component of this therapy. I also believe that all counselors should empower their clients to identify a meaning of life.

[@amyocasio6382]

The thing that stuck out most to me in this video was the section on "techniques" specifically self-disclosure. I agree that self-disclosure can be beneficial during therapy and in strengthening the therapeutic relationship. The client may be willing to trust the therapist more as a result of the self-disclosure and may be willing to self-disclose more during sessions. The self-disclosure also allows the client to potentially feel that on some level the therapist genuinely understands where he/she is coming; therefore, allowing the client to begin removing defenses and barriers which, otherwise, could stall or prohibit progress. With that being said, however, self-disclosure may not be appropriate in all situations or with all clients. For instance, a therapist may self-disclose and the client may then focus on the therapist's experience, how the therapist handled it, etc. thus taking the focus off of the client. Although the therapist and client share a similar experience, the processing and moving forward from that experience varies based on the individuals.

[@amandagerrick5407]

I like the emphasis on human experiences used for this therapy. I think that helps to make counseling unique to each client, which is the way it should be.

[@ivengrowe4783]

When a client is struggling with how to exist in this world, this is where Existential Therapy can possibly help. The client decides what they want to discuss reducing anxiety allowing them to realize change is possible. Counselors help clients find a purpose in life so improved communication can be realized while they focus on the present and move forward.

[@kikixiong6156]

Personally, I think some elements from existential therapy could be very useful. I agree with the idea that finding meanings of life is something that everybody probably has thought about. It is very important for us to seek for meanings and purposes of life. Also, I like that Existential therapy views that some anxiety is expected to happen in one's life and is normal process as human. I am fond of the authenticity of this therapy.

[@alexdeloach6472]

I enjoyed learning about this therapy, and the many ways it can be useful. I like the emphasis on personal experiences, and I found the existential and neurotic anxieties fascinating. The aspects of this theory that stuck out to me throughout the video were genuine, non direct non traditional techniques, and authenticity. The goals to find purpose in life, become self aware, and take responsibly for decisions can be beneficial to many clients. To become self aware and find purpose is something I think every human should strive for. As a counselor, it is important to use techniques that best suit your client and their needs.

[@amandagerrick5407]

I also like that this therapy emphasizes personal experiences. It helps client's to focus on their own meaning and values which can be custom fit to work with their therapy.

[@rhondabaileyyy]

I agree that as individuals we all search to find meaning in our lives. I believe that that search is what drives us to do certain things. I too believe that there are very real fears of being alone as well. I think that these fears are also motivating factors in our lives.

[@lauraleslie4240]

What I like most about this therapy is the ability to recognize responsibility and freedom of choice. It can be very useful with those with who have a victim mentality that "everything is happening to them," and could be beneficial is assisting them to recognize their choice and participation in their own life.

[@charmainequarles5863]

I like that this therapy focuses more on the human experience and not so much on the use of techniques to elicit behavioral change. I also like that the ultimate goal of this therapy is to create or develop a high level of authenticity. Knowing who you are (self-awareness), and understanding your purpose in life are two of the keys to happiness. I can definitely see this therapy being helpful is helping someone who is dealing with some type of loss, whether it is job loss or loss of a loved one. It can be instrumental is helping someone who is starting over and seeking more fulfillment out of life.

[@cherylchance904]

Knowing yourself is important Charmaine, I agree. All too often I think that when people struggle to deal with something it is simply because they really don't know where to go in their own minds and in their own emotions to address it. Instead they feel as if they are spinning their wheels toward a resolution that they are uncertain of.

[@janicedixon2051]

I like this theory because it is client focused and promotes self-exploration to find meaning of existing in the world. I like that this approach is non-directive but still addresses problems presented during session.

[@pearlbutler9377]

I like this therapy. It seems to empower clients to build and understand who they are. Existential therapy seems to encourage change by addressing the present while looking at the past and the future. The primary goal to me seems to be acceptance, which is what we look for when working with clients and ourselves.

[@charmainequarles5863]

+Pearl Butler I agree Pearl. The best thing about empowering clients to understand who they are is that this therapy does it in a non-directive way.

[@pearlbutler9377]

Yes

[@pearlbutler9377]

We all feel more accomplished when we are successful with ideas we think were all ours. :)

[@alexdeloach6472]

Pearl Butler I agree that the goals for this approach are invaluable. Becoming self aware, finding meaning, and being authentic are all purposes of this therapy. It's emphasis on the therapeutic alliance and authenticity make for a very unique approach.

[@emilytwomey7817]

This video shows one of the fundamental aspect of this theory-conflict with a existential given. Although the client does not seem to be severely scarred by this incident, he is more aware of those he loves, but also exemplifies an attitude of what does anything matter-" I don't even want to buy anything, whats the point." This statement shows a displacement of balance, which although not severe, is making him think. So instead of focusing on the fire and what could have happened, he works to explore any changes in values and ideas. I can see how this can be extremely effective to process but help a client remove themselves from being stuck in the incident. I imagine it could be difficult to use appropriately if you were a new counselor.

[@priscillaj3072]

The goals of this therapy like an increased awareness about choices, finding meaning and purpose, improved communication skills, taking responsibility, and the client gaining a better understanding of themselves as an individual, are smaller pieces of the puzzle, that when put together create the bigger picture and the main goal and focus which is becoming self-actualized. These goals are achieved through the techniques used by the counselor. One technique that I think is particularly beneficial to achieving the goals stated above is the counselor's use of self-disclosure and modeling authentic behavior. By implementing these techniques, the counselor shows the client that they themselves have explored existential issues, like existential anxiety and when accepted can promote change to take place.

[@kyarapanula1002]

+priscilla j Agreed! This brings us back to a conversation we had in Tools last year--how many of us feel grounded, 'mature', having traveled at least one path that was precarious, though dropping us off at a different plane of thought because of it...? Conversations around gender, race and racism, faith, memories and traumas have to happen so that we become more available (read: not experienced) for the client. I'm guessing this is one of the biggest reasons why there are not many Existential psychotherapists ( as opposed to Jungian, which carries similar context of universality)!

[@MyDonh]

Of all the theories that we have learned so far, existential therapy appears to be the most contemporary in it's components. The objectives of staying in the present while exploring the past and discussing the future takes into consideration the dichotomy of the human experience and it's influence over the entire life span. The major attraction for me was improving communication which is a common issue in contemporary society that crosses all lines of race gender and sex. I would definitely consider practicing or integrating Existential into my personal style.

[@lizconnor1820]

I too found the potential this theory has for improving communication rather attractive. I think many issues individuals of all cultures and backgrounds deal with stem from a lack of communication or lack of healthy communication. Just as Dr. Grande noted, improving a client's communication skills will benefit all aspects of their life (career, family, friends) and improve their relationships with others. Who wouldn't want that!

[@SanctuaryTherapiesandTraining]

I wish I had you at the end of a phone!! Love your explanations they are so straight forward.

[@heather7927]

I think that existential therapy is a useful theory to integrate into a counseling session because of its emphasis on discussing serious issues that may have been influenced by the past or are a concern for the future. In my opinion, most people are seeking a purpose and a meaning in their life. Lacking meaning or purpose can cause significant problems in ones life. This concept being a primary component and the counselor being authentic and having multiple contributors for this therapy makes it more focused on helping the client make sense of life. The multiple contributors allows different perspectives to have gone into making this useful.

[@pearlbutler9377]

+Heather I- Heather I agree that we are all looking for meaning within our lives and the incorporation of different perspectives adds to greater resources.

[@alexandrajones3178]

Like others, I enjoy the techniques of existential therapy. I think self disclosure is an important part of helping the counselor-client relationship flourish. It can be difficult to tell someone sensitive information if you know nothing about them. Having some sort of common ground with a counselor may make the client feel more comfortable with them. I also liked that they acknowledge that there are other ways of being. Many people tend to be stuck in their ways and feel that their way is the only way, this can become an issue when interacting with others. People should know that there are other ways of being and that is okay.

[@nancywysemen7196]

excellent overview. understand my former therapist better[if i had to write a paper] and why experience was soo positive. thank-you!

[@drdemimoore]

I thought this theory was interesting. It empowers the clients while addressing who the client is also. I think it allows the client to address the issues but also find themselves in the process. I liked this because it focuses on human experiences and who the client is as a person. It helps for the client to see what is important to them.

[@angelinastanton7996]

Demi Moore I agree that existential therapy can help clients find their way when they are feeling lost and unsure. I also think it's positive that through therapy, clients can understand how their perceived abnormal fears can be accepted and seen as normal feelings that all human beings go through. It also helps clients become more self-aware and discover their true purpose. Clients can be empowered to discover their potential to rise above what holds them back.

[@angelinastanton7996]

It is interesting that existential therapy focuses on both the past and present experiences and how clients find purpose for their existence. I like that this theory normalizes some anxieties in existential anxiety, such as being uncertain about your life. Usually, we think of any anxiety as being negative. However, existential theory considers such existential anxieties as positive and appropriate. It was interesting to view the differences of neurotic anxiety and existential anxiety.

[@monicaperry13]

I like that this theory focuses on authenticity and finding purpose and meaning in life. I thought it was interesting that it recognizes both normal existential anxiety and neurotic anxiety. I do believe that certain situations, such as taking a major test or finding out you have a health issue would cause almost anyone to be somewhat anxious. Hopefully the skilled practitioner would recognize the line between what is considered existential anxiety and what is neurotic.

[@Stephanie-us3bj]

Thank you for posting these videos Dr. Grande. I am a Masters of Counselling Psych student and I find these summaries to be extremely helpful and they compliment our course readings nicely. Love your channel!

[@anahgalloway2740]

I appreciated learning about this theory and Dr. Grande's opinion on how we can integrate it into out own counselling styles. To me, the counselling goals seemed so broad that it fit well into the counselling model of wellness (i.e. to be more authentic, find meaning and purpose, self-actualization, and recognizing our freedom of choice). With those types of goals, I can imagine that individuals would experience less interpersonal conflict and more intrapersonal contentment as results of reaching those goals. I also would like to learn more about the existential therapist's experience with resistance. The video explains that therapists look for "not taking responsibility, not aware of feelings, & not authentic"as indicators of resistance. As those signs directly correlate with the counseling goals, I wonder if almost every client struggles with them at some point in treatment. I would like to see how existential therapists use specific indirect techniques to address those signs of resistance.

[@kyarapanula1002]

+Anah Galloway I don't think such life skills as taking responsibility, awareness of feelings and living an authentic life are of high priority in the Western world....Look at how children have been raised over the past few centuries: they are workers, or they should be seen and not heard, follow the trail of traditional education, and don't ask too many questions!--the list goes on. Only now are we starting to listen to them--and attending to a child in their various developmental stages means that their adult--self understands and lives those aforementioned concepts.

[@caitlinirwin6334]

+Anah Galloway we will be dealing with clients who don't want to take responsibility a lot of the time. It's natural for them to display resistance when trying to change their behavior in order to get better. What we do at work is called the Wellness Recovery Model and it basically allows our patients to track their progress with being able to identify their negative behavior, change it to a positive behavior and be able to maintain that positive behavior. We also allow the patient to know that it's okay to go backwards and makes mistakes, change their way of maintaining their positive behavior and/or finding out what negative behavior or behaviors that are keeping them in pain.

[@kyarapanula1002]

The classical romantic in me consistently comes back to Jungian and Existential theories...Regardless of the specifics on the individual, there is always a universal component that surrounds them (sex, love, death, etc), and the need becomes harnessing the ability to ask those questions (either empirically or experientially), while moving toward self-actualization. More than ever, in our society so dominated by quick solutions to superficial symptoms, asking the big questions and placing it in an increasingly large view creates authenticity and acceptance. As an example, Thich Nhat Hanh makes the distinction between 'peace' and 'happiness', appropriate for Existentialism in Philosophy and Psychology alike, and it has always stuck with me: peace and happiness are not the same thing, rather peace is utter tranquility (existential quietude) and happiness is excitement, jubilation. Often we cannot have both, and like many other overarching situations, I see the idea of existential anxiety coming up in this instance.

[@katybethhern6167]

+Kyara Panula I agree with your thought on peace and happiness and not being able to always establish both at the same time. Thus, I think a lot of us are so eager to obtain instant gratification, due to the advancement of technology, that when we do not obtain such gratification right away; we become discouraged and unhappy.

[@angelagrimes3994]

I agree with everything you said and love your example by Thich Nhat Hanh. In our quick fix society, we seem to think if we were only happy everything would be okay, yet we because we can not be happy all the time, we are always disappointed. We need to address the big questions and issues, and perhaps by accepting our authentic self, we can find the peace, acceptance and yes at imes even happiness.

[@facemuscles9]

Been watching you for years, now you're part of my homework, lol. I bet you didn't know you'd be where you are at now when you made this video. Keep grinding, doc!

[@dalietamears7116]

I am not really sold out on existential therapy at this time. I see where it empowers the client and gives them insight on who they are, with the primary focus on acceptance.

[@angiegrimes7265]

One of the ways that a counselor shows unconditional positive regard is by taking a nonjudgmental stance. It made sense to me not to judge a client negatively but I had not considered that judging a client positively could also be disruptive. Making any kind of judgment places conditions of worthiness on the client which will effect the therapeutic relationship. I can see that at least initially in this relationship, I will need to suspend any judgment.

[@ronb422]

Very clear teaching, I finally get it! Thanks

[@nikkilafuria9172]

Dr. Grande, have you considered NCE prep videos? I’m studying and our cohort used your content in grad school so I thought you may have some NCE prep material! Love your content it was very helpful and efficiently executed!

[@aussiebreeze3971]

On the surface this theory seems simple, yet it has hidden complexities sprinkled throughout. Life purpose is a huge dilemma for most, that sometimes is a windy road with many confusing crossroads. My life purpose in my 20s was different than my life purpose now.... and again I imagine this will change in my older years. Establishing a genuine therapeutic relationship is crucial. It seems this theory would be nearly impossible to "prove" as there are really no guidelines - only suggestions. For a seasoned therapist, this may give the freedom to work off of that developed trusted instinct; however, new therapists should consider their need for more experience and self-awareness growth before putting this theory into practice.

[@theguywhoknowsall22]

Quick question from a novice: What are the core reasons therapists don't engage in direct attempts to cause change? I have become somewhat of a default therapist to my brother (Severe OCD and anxiety disorder) and old high school friend (dysthymia/anxiety disorder). Both have had professional treatment for years, with multiple therapists but have stopped going. Apologies if this isn't the place to discuss this.

[@ushalincoln9669]

I think that this theory is one that I need a little more clarification on because I am still slightly confused by it even after watching the video. However from my understanding what I like about this therapy method that it helps the client having better understanding of themselves and how the situation is effecting their everyday lives.

[@zureezee1887]

This theory seems more applicable to me because it focuses on life experiences which to me seems like the cause of most behavioral problems. When you think of childhood trauma, poverty, war and all the other major traumatic events, and the impact it has on people's life, it would make sense to then focus on theses experiences.

[@corinne7324]

I agree with you Zuree Zee. I too believe that our environment and personal experiences influence our lives and we let these experiences shape us into who we are today.

[@melissahansbury8439]

I like that this video explained the differences between existential anxiety and neurotic anxiety, but I do think that there is a fine line between the two. It is always easy to tell the difference when the scenarios are on opposite ends of the spectrum but what about all those scenarios in between? Existential anxiety is normal and expected and the video states that it is appropriate to situations, but how do we deem the amount of anxiety that is acceptable to certain situations?

[@nakeshatucker6844]

+Melissa Hansbury From a beginner counselor perspective, your post is reasonable. Well said! But I think and hope, that with experience and knowledge a seasoned professional counselor should be able to differentiate between "normal" anxiety and anxiety that is out of proportion to a situation.

[@anahgalloway2740]

+Melissa Hansbury When the video explained existential anxiety I latched onto the word "uncertainty". I think a client could experience existential anxiety when faced with changes in life that naturally cause a client to feel uncertain, anxious, and generally uncomfortable. No one wants to be pushed out of their comfort zone, but change is inevitable. This helped me conceptualize existential anxiety because I see this type of response to human experience as unavoidable, but natural.

[@caitlinirwin6334]

+Anah Galloway Change is inevitable because we will all have to do it. Even this program involves change a lot of the time and usual life experiences call for the person to alter their previous thinking and behavior in order to gain better life opportunities.

[@caitlinirwin6334]

It is my opinion that a lot of people have a hard time focusing on the present, usually the focus on the past is because of the trauma that we've experienced and are not willing to move forward or people occupy themselves with where they will be in the future. Staying in both of these for too long hinders the client to staying in the present and being able to take things one at a time. Not that this therapy does not discuss the past and future, but it does not linger in both for long. My attraction to this type of therapy was the ability to find meaning in life and hopefully the client would feel fulfilled in some aspect. I find it's hard for a lot of people in this day in age to be able to define what fulfillment and meaning is pertaining to themselves. Usually they refer to those people who are in their lives who they feel give them fulfillment and meaning and that is their idea of what life is.

[@charmainequarles5863]

+Caitlin Irwin I agree that one of the most attractive things about this therapy is the focusing on the meaning of life. Too many people are just "alive" and have no real connection to living or being. I think helping someone discover the meaning of life and defining their purpose would help creating a more productive society.

[@stellasquire5133]

Clear explanation. Thanks

[@bethkindt8432]

Chaos is the only rule

[@leonardocanada98]

Thank you sir for the explanation, this is very helpful ❤️.

[@leonardocanada98]

Sir can I ask what is existential psychoanalytic theory in your own? hope you notice this.

[@MartinLutwama-ep5dr]

Greatful doctor..

[@cherylchance904]

I could definitely see where implementing this therapy would be effective after the client suffers a loss including a divorce or death. Clearly the individual is struggling with determining where they fit in now that this loss has occurred. I imagine that there may be some individuals who face these feelings with no known origin however I can only suspect that they more commonly arise as a result of loss. There may be acceptance at some point in the therapeutic relationship but I imagine that the client will always have fear of facing a similar event again.

[@zureezee1887]

Very true, when people experience loss and life changing situations, they feel lost and would therefore be seeking meaning in life and when a therapist can stay in the present with them, they would most likely find that purpose and meaning they are in search of.

[@ushalincoln9669]

I can definitely see how this therapy method could make it hard for a client to face their current issues because it can bring out the toughest issues that the client is going through.

[@FrancesShear]

What a coincidence how much those 4 areas represented here exists with different labels within Ameircan indigenous philosophy with the difference being that purificaton of self first is required as part of that philosophy too. HAving to deal with adversity after making the choice to remain part of a noble cause is for sure among the best ways to achieve any purification offered long ago. So true that it is impossible to avoid neuroticism when living in the past. In contrast when any person is experiencing high levels of existential anxiety when in trouble at home and in the city they live in that would be too much for most people when it comes to being able to not show any kind of 'neurotic' anxiety from day to day most while under the observation of more than one appointed by teachers cameramen too during test taking. We human beings cannot always turn emotions on and off like a faucet when for example being there on each and every day at school under the watchful eyes of teachers there after being ordered to stay at the front of the class during a practicum. Dr. grande not everyone has the same perspective as you do while teaching or in the helping profession and so matter how good a student's communication skills already are among in contrast biased teachers in a situation like that sometimes it is far wiser for a student to insist on closure there instead of continuing to pay more and more money in tuition. Like for example when a student's basement is still flooding from time to time like mine is and other 'fun' things to get through for 'sharing' too.

[@joe1579]

Existential anxiety is an interesting concept, & it makes sense that if an individual is going to grow towards self actualization that they would encounter appropriate challenges & this would cause a healthy anxiety.