Existential Counseling Essay

Running Head: EXISTENTIAL COUNSELING

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An Analysis of Existential Therapy from a Counseling Perspective
Mark Oliver
University of Houston – Clear Lake

Running Head: EXISTENTIAL COUNSELING

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Abstract
Existential theory is derived from the existential philosophy movement of the nineteenth
century. There were several individuals instrumental in the development of existential therapy
including Bugental, Frankl, May, and Yalom. It is not a concise theory but is a loose collection of
theories centering on the meaning or purpose of life. However it is applicable to counseling
because of its focus on the meaning of life which promotes clients well-being. The main
therapeutic techniques are: Logotherapy, the “I-thou model”, and the self-in-world concept.
However since existential counseling is not a technique driven therapy, techniques from other
therapies can be used effectively with an existential therapeutic focus. It appears applicable to a
wide variety of counseling situations in which clients are seeking to resolve issues concerning the
ultimate ‘meaning of life’ and does focus on the collaborative nature of the counselor – client
relationship.

Running Head: EXISTENTIAL COUNSELING

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Existential therapy or counseling is classified as a humanistic theory by Maslow due to
its focus on helping people achieve their full potential in life (Maddi, 1978). It is viewed more as
an attitudinal or philosophical approach to counseling rather than a theory of therapy because
it is loosely based on existential philosophy and it is not tied to any particular therapeutic
technique (Sharf, 2004). Broadly defined, existential therapy encourages clients to develop a
full comprehension of their personal meaning of life and purpose of existence in the universe
(Frankl, 1997; Yalom, 1980). It is suggested that a counselor develop his or her own personal
style of counseling which is based primarily on one theoretical perspective (Corey, 2009)....