Existential Based Therapy

Existential Therapy

• A Philosophical method of therapy
• Based on Nietzsche, Kierkegaard, Sartre, May, Frankl
• And other Existential Psychologists

Existential Based Therapy

• Proposed by Dr. Irvin D. Yalom
• Emphasizes 4 givens of existence
• "Ultimate Concerns"

Existential Based Therapy

• Approach is 'here' and 'now'.

ULTIMATE CONCERNS

4 Givens of Existence

• Death
• Freedom and responsibility
• Existential isolation
• Meaninglessness

The Case of "Paula"

The Case of "Paula"

• Studied by Joanna Lipari
• Had years of CBT but does not heal
• Chronic depression and anxiety

The Case of "Paula"

• Presented existential + CBT therapy
• 25 months of therapy

Existential Therapeutic Goals

• Ease existential neurosis
• E.g. Paula's inability to see meaning in life
• Establish Existential 'encounter'
• E.g. Relationship between client & therapist
• Kairos, or acceptance of treatment by Paula

THERAPY PROPER

The Therapy Process

• Paula being the "hero" of her own life
• Weltschmerz - idea vs. reality

Session #10

• Sketches throughout the therapy
• Created 1st pen and pencil drawing
• Paula's first kairos

OTHER APPROACHES

• Cognitive restructuring
• Kohutian theory (mirroring)
• Pressuring defenses

October of 2000

• Major depressive episode
• Being terminated in her job
• Paula's 2nd kairos

Results of Therapy

• "Bouncing back" from depressive episodes
• Regularly producing artworks
• Therapy has been about Paula learning to accept who she is
• Not as she thinks she needs to be.

END.