Existential–Humanistic Therapy

This third edition offers an updated primer to the theory, history, research, and practice of existential–humanistic (EH) therapy, which merges existential philosophy with humanistic psychotherapy.

EH therapy blends the European heritage of self-inquiry, struggle, and responsibility with the American tradition of spontaneity, optimism, and practicality. This book helps therapists and trainees understand how to help people address critical life questions and attune to how clients relate to themselves and to others, appropriately reflecting back aspects of themselves that are evident but unnoticed.

New to this edition are significant updates to research and theory, including the work of Otto Rank, an often-overlooked pioneer in EH therapy, and new concepts like existential unconsciousness and life-enhancing anxiety. The cultivation of presence as a central component of the therapeutic relationship is also emphasized.

Series Preface

How to Use This Book With APA Psychotherapy Videos

• Chapter 1. Introduction
• Chapter 2. History
• Chapter 3. Theory
• Chapter 4. Therapy Process
• Chapter 5. Evaluation
• Chapter 6. Future Developments
• Chapter 7. Summary

Appendix A. A Close Up of Otto Rank’s Influence on Existential-–Humanistic Psychology

Appendix B. The Existential Unconscious: A Revisioning of Our Hidden Selves

Appendix C. Short-Term Case: Hamilton

Appendix D. Phases of Change in a Typical Long-Term Existential Therapy

Appendix E. Long-Term Case: Claudia

Appendix F. Summary of Experiential Stances of the Existential–Integrative Model

Glossary of Key Terms

Suggested Readings and Resources

References

Index

About the Authors

About the Series Editor

Kirk J. Schneider, PhD, is president of the Existential–Humanistic Institute and adjunct faculty at Saybrook University and Teachers College, Columbia University. He is also past president of the American Psychological Association’s Society for Humanistic Psychology (Division 32). Dr. Schneider has published more than 200 articles and chapters and has authored/edited 15 books, including The Psychology of Existence (with Rollo May) and Life-Enhancing Anxiety. He received the Rollo May Award from Division 32 and the Cultural Innovator award from The Living Institute, Toronto, Canada. He delivered keynote addresses at all three World Congresses for Existential Therapy. Visit his Corps of Depth Healers YouTube channelopens in new window and his websiteopens in new window.

Orah T. Krug, PhD, is a licensed psychotherapist and owner of Krug Counseling, Inc., in Oakland, CA. She was also the first clinical director and founding member of the Existential-Humanistic Institute. Dr. Krug has published numerous articles and chapters and coauthored Supervision Essentials of Existential-Humanistic Therapy with Kirk Schneider. She has presented at numerous American Psychological Association conferences, Division 32 conferences, and at the World Congress of Existential Therapy. Dr. Krug recorded training videos and interviews with Victor Yalom, along with other videos, available at Psychotherapy.netopens in new window. Visit his websiteopens in new window.

Leading existential–humanistic psychologists Kirk J. Schneider and Orah T. Krug provide a comprehensive and practical overview of this therapeutic modality. With important advancements from previous editions, the authors engage the existential unconscious, cultural perspectives, and research foundations as well as the core aspects of existential–humanistic (EH) therapy, including presence, meaning, freedom/choice, and responsibility. Covering both the uniqueness of EH therapy and its foundations for an integrative approach, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in the existential and interpersonal dimensions of psychotherapy.
—Louis Hoffman, PhD, author, Case Formulation in Existential–Humanistic Therapy; Executive Director, Rocky Mountain Humanistic Counseling and Psychological Association, Colorado Springs, CO, United States