Existential Approach in Psychotherapy Essay

1. The video is an outstanding illustrator of the theoretical elements, such as self-awareness and limitations. The existential approach is based on a philosophy, which focuses on: “self-awareness, facing the unavoidable conditions of human existence, and authentic living” (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2018, p. 89). In other words, the process allowed the client to realize that her life was built on deliberate choices, which are symbiotic and interconnected. The client wants to go to school and leave her job because the former makes her feel delighted, and the latter does not appear appealing (“Video 4.1 Existential therapy,” n.d.). The concepts of self-awareness and authentic living are invoked in order to let her reflect on their interconnectedness.
2. There is a wide range of techniques utilized in the video, but they are centered around the notion of empathetic mirroring and self-reflection. The therapist was not a merely supportive individual but rather provided both feedback and confrontation with the client in regard to her challenges and difficulties in life. Initially, the technique involved the process of identifying the client’s issues and her own attitude towards them. Later, the therapist was utilizing confrontation measures, where she was partially disagreeing with her client because her main goal was to develop an “I-Thou Relationship.” One should be aware that “I-Thou Relationship” is a highly challenging task to do because it “involves the deepest of all possible connections … legitimate I-Thou moments are rare and brief” (Sommers-Flanagan & Sommers-Flanagan, 2018, p. 96). In other words, there is a specific goal of a session, where a client needs to build a differential perspective.
3. The therapist’s role in the video was based on identifying the problems, making them vocal, and observing whether they are existentially plausible. She actively seeks to make the client specific about her discontent with her life, which she claims to be her work. The therapist also demands that the client would define her emotions and feelings in regards to her school and work. At the end of the session, the therapist sums up the key milestones of the client’s life and how they fit together, which does her work appear as a part of her authentic living. Therefore, the role of a therapist is to let the clients identify the issue of their own and help them change their perspective on their lives.
4. The apparent treatment plan will involve two major parts, where a client asked several questions, which would help to identify the underlying problems. The questions need to be neutral or supportive, which means they should not be judgmental or disconnected from each other. The second part revolves around making sure that the issue is identified as an unalterable existential problem, where the therapist gradually allows a client to change his or her perspective on his or her life.
5. In my own practice, the concept that would work best is a realization of unavoidable conditions of human existence and authentic living. Therefore, my therapist technique would focus on life embracement and mirroring, where I will allow my clients to realize that their problems are existential limitations and that they will have a good life if they change their perspective through embracement. The goal will be based on ensuring that clients will focus on the state of their lives with consideration for existential limitations. The approach will include “I-Thou Relationship,” where clients form deep connections with other individuals or aspects of their lives.

References

Sommers-Flanagan, J. & Sommers-Flanagan, R. (2018). Counseling and psychotherapy theories in context and practice: Skills, strategies, and techniques (3^rd ed.). John Wiley and Sons.

Video 4.1 Existential therapy [Video]. (n.d.). Web.