Hypnotherapy Surrey
 
 

Existentialism 

 
Date : July 29th & 30th 2023 
 
Held by James, whose opening comments on this two-day workshop are, "Existentialism is derived from philosophy. Whereas mainstream philosophy attempts to discover universal truths regarding knowledge, truths and values, existentialism addresses questions that arise for individuals in the course of living their lives. Although existentialism is less about what we do but more involved with who we are, so not a theory but an understanding and of course the relevance of this approach in the brief strategic practice." 
 
It is said that existential psychotherapy originated in the work of four psychiatrists: Karl Jaspers in Germany, Ludwig Binswanger and Medard Boss in Switzerland, and Victor Frankl in Austria. Ronald Laing introduced existential psychotherapy to the UK, but it fell to Emmy van Deurzen to create the Society of Existential Analysis, and the first training programme in existential psychotherapy in the UK, at Antioch University's London branch. The approach taken in the UK compliments focused goal directed therapy and with the shift from long-term to short-term dynamic therapy in recent years, it has grown significantly in popularity. 
 
The Approach 
 
This workshop focuses on the exploration of a person's sense of being-in-the-world, we will be taking the here-and-now approach, emphasising the client's ability to make decisions in the present, rather than rely on the influences of their past. We will be attempting to explore the meaning of certain problem areas for the client through a philosophical, rather than technique-based approach. 
 
It should be noted that this is an experiential day so delegates will be encouraged to be involved and participate in this approach to self-discovery and change through the recognition of choice. 
 
James' aim is to help you to encourage your client to be honest with themselves, to broaden their views on their surrounding world and environment, and to make firm decisions about future plans. 
 
Existential therapy is based on the assumption that people are directly responsible for their lives and the environment they exist in. This is a powerful approach that embraces human potential, while remaining realistic through its recognition of human limitations. Considered to be part of the tradition of in-depth psychotherapy, the existential approach is common with psychodynamic, humanistic, experiential, Person Centred, relational approaches to therapy. 
 
Through the freedom of choice to shape one’s own life, James advocates that one is responsible to shape his or her own life and a need for self-determination and self-awareness. The uniqueness of each individual, forms his or her own one-off personality, starting from infancy. Existential therapy focuses on the present and on the future. In part we already take some of this approach throughout this course however, this weekend develops this philosophy through future orientation in time, where the client might be able to experience the implications of those decisions made today, in the future. The therapist endeavours to help the client to see that they are free and to see the possibilities for their future and the implications of that freedom. James will help you to challenge yourself and your client to recognise we are personally responsible for the events in our own lives. This type of therapy is well suited when helping the client to make good choices and negotiating life. 
 
We are expecting delegates to leave this weekend with many new considerations and trust this will be reflected in their clinical work. 
 
Once again the handout is extensive.  
 
The SCCP will be available for further support for the therapist and student in the application of this subject after the workshop. This is a highly recommended workshop for all, especially those completing their HPD.  
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