Existential Psychotherapy for Beginners: An Essential Guide

In this video, you will be provided with a comprehensive guide to Existential Psychotherapy for beginners. It will cover topics such as the history of the discipline, the main existential theories, therapists’ techniques and approaches, and the importance of empathy. This video will be an invaluable resource for those looking to deepen their understanding of Existential Psychotherapy.

[@homocatphenomena7168]

This is a great lecture! Thank you for posting it! My girlfriend is in grad school for counseling and she thought I would like existential therapy, so I found your video. I can't wait to learn more about it! I think that there are many layers to finding meaning and that can create inner conflict. I think it would bring a lot of meaning to my life to have a profession that helps others, but I don't know what I should pursue to do that. I feel like I have lots of long term goals, but no short term goals, so now I have a gap of meaning in my right now. Lots to think about!

[@steffoates9468]

I love this comprehensive introduction. Thank you

[@understandingpsychology]

You're very welcome!

[@leyren2606]

44:30 - "Psychopathology occurs from diminished self-awareness." - This would imply that the only (or main) requirement is to have an increased self-awareness to be able to ultimately solve whatever issues the person may have, no? I would rather argue it's the opposite, that an increased self-awareness would cause psychopathology. Based on the Denial of Death for example, the idea that we construct value- and belief-systems for the purpose of defining some kind of meaning and purpose for our life. I would argue that after having gained a level of awareness to look past those constructs, and seeing our existence for what it really is (something with no inherent meaning) it is increasingly difficult to find or define any kind of meaning for oneself, because at that point, trying to find such meaning may just feel like forcing yourself back into the socially accepted denial of death, deluding yourself into living through your existence with some kind of artificial meaning.
So basically, what if one has the awareness to not just "[...] carry out preprogrammed actions, feel preset emotions [...]", but fails to identify a meaning for their own authentic self from it? Why would such a meaning even exist in the first place?

[@understandingpsychology]

You make many great points. There are different ways to conceptualize meaning. It is interesting that finding meaning in one’s life often leads to growth. However, can also develop existential anxiety from feeling that they either don’t have meaning in life, are uncertain about what their meaning is, or if they feel that they are not living in accordance with their meaning in life. So, that which can be a source of strength can also be a source of distress.

[@globitable6887]

Assuming that both parties to a relationship have shared responsibility may be dangerous, when one of the partners is a narcissist, borderline or ASPD. In such cases, at least one partner is the abuser -- and in most such cases the other partner is the victim of the abuse.

[@understandingpsychology]

You are 100% correct. In the cases of domestic violence, or other forms of abuse, we wouldn’t just shared responsibility. We would focus on personal safety. However, in typical issues, related to couples counseling, shared responsibility, is essential for moving a couple forward.

[@lizett3465]

Thank you for a great lecture, Dr.! Just a minor complaint: you pronounced some of the surnames wrongly. As someone who is also giving a lot of talks and webinars, I make sure I check how to pronounce words and surnames correctly, especially when it comes to great thinkers or important concepts. There might be someone in the audience (like I am in yours right now :)) who actually knows how to pronounce correctly. One can "lose" professional credit with such listeners by not making the effort.

[@understandingpsychology]

I appreciate the feedback. Out of curiosity, which names did you feel were mispronounced?

[@nmrothschildsons3090]

@@understandingpsychology Nietzsche and Sartre. You butchered their names to such an extraordinary degree that it makes me think you never actually read anything from these great existentialists.

[@understandingpsychology]

@@nmrothschildsons3090 sorry you feel that way

[@ryanwillard8389]

@@nmrothschildsons3090 Way to create your own meaning there, pal