Existential Therapy Flashcards
What is the central focus of existential therapy?
Exploring the human condition, focusing on self-awareness, freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning.
How does existential therapy view human beings?
As free and responsible for their choices, capable of creating meaning in their lives.
What are the four ultimate concerns in existential therapy?
Death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness.
What is the role of anxiety in existential therapy?
Anxiety is seen as a natural response to the uncertainties and challenges of life
Name some key philosophers who influenced existential therapy.
Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Martin Heidegger.
What did Kierkegaard contribute to existential therapy?
The concept of anxiety as a condition of freedom and choice.
How did Heidegger influence existential therapy?
By emphasizing being-in-the-world and the interconnectedness of individuals and their environments.
What does existential therapy say about human existence?
Human existence is finite, and individuals must confront their mortality to live authentically.
How is freedom linked to responsibility in existential therapy?
With freedom comes the responsibility to shape one’s life through choices.
What is existential guilt?
The realization of not living authentically or fully embracing one’s freedom and potential.
What is the primary goal of existential therapy?
To help clients find meaning, live authentically, and take responsibility for their choices.
How does existential therapy address anxiety?
By helping clients face their anxieties and use them as a catalyst for change and growth.
What does it mean to live authentically in existential therapy?
Living in alignment with one’s values, beliefs, and true self.
Does existential therapy rely on specific techniques?
No, it emphasizes a philosophical approach and adapts techniques to the client’s needs.
What is the role of the therapeutic relationship in existential therapy?
The relationship is central, emphasizing genuine connection and mutual exploration.
What are some methods used in existential therapy?
Reflective dialogue, exploring meaning, and addressing existential concerns like death and freedom.
What are some key contributions of existential therapy?
It emphasizes self-awareness, personal responsibility, and the search for meaning, and it values individuality.
What are the main critiques of existential therapy?
It lacks structured techniques, may be too abstract for some clients, and has limited empirical support.
How is existential therapy applied in modern practice?
It is often integrated with other approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, to address existential concerns in a practical context.
