Unlike other psychological therapies, existentialism does not employ a systematic model with prescribed techniques. Instead, existentialists emphasize personal freedom and responsibility versus the determinism accepted by other theorists. At the core of human nature is the concept of existential anxiety, a necessary evil that provides both stress and growth.
Definition
According to Gerald Corey, Ph.D., existential anxiety is the natural byproduct of dealing with the "givens of existence." Because human beings possess free will, they must make decisions. As stated by James Bugental, Ph.D., this creates the "potentiality of tragedy." Existential anxiety is the apprehension of choosing without clear guidelines and the acknowledgment that those choices may result in failure.
History
While Martin Haidegger, Jean-Paul Sartre and Søren Kierkegaard are the fathers of existential philosophy, the translation of these theories to the realm of psychology did not occur until the 1980s. Rollo May, Irvin Yalom and James Bugental recognized that existentialism could challenge individuals to live authentically and responsibly, and became the first therapists to introduce this framework into counseling sessions.
Features
The root of existential anxiety rests in four main fears: death, guilt, meaningless and isolation. People grow afraid that the decisions they make in life might perpetuate or cause feelings of emptiness and loneliness. They also dread the guilt that accompanies choosing the wrong path. Finally, death, the inevitable end to every beginning, is a topic of pressing psychological distress for most individuals. Existential counseling, especially in a group setting, often focuses on the act of dying and how best to accept this biological fate.
Misconceptions
While anxiety is often seen as a mental illness that requires healing, existential anxiety remains a purposeful experience. Existentialists view this anxiety as an instructive and transformational emotion. Gerald Corey, Ph.D., argues that the role of the therapist is to help the individual stop dulling and disguising his existential anxiety, and to instead use it to become fully aware.
Treatments
Existential therapists do not seek to cure individuals of their anxieties; instead, they coach clients to deal with their fears in such a way to promote change and growth. Bugental suggests five tools for working with existential anxiety: responsibility, courage, being, creativity and encounter. With these techniques, individuals learn to remain in the moment and work through the paradoxes of life.
Warning
Existential anxiety is purposeful, but neurotic anxiety is psychologically damaging. Existentialists view neurosis as the denial or distortion of the truth. Neurotic anxiety distracts individuals from living authentically. Beyond existential theory, neurotic anxiety---including phobia, panic and trauma---is a serious psychiatric concern involving chemical imbalances, and is best addressed as a mental illness. Successful treatment includes both therapeutic and psychopharmacological interventions.
References
- "Theory and Practice of Group Counseling"; Gerald Corey, Ph.D.; 2008
- Sonoma State University: James T. Bugenthal
