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Existential Counselling & Psychotherapy in Practice
`For a book with such a reflective and philosophical element, this is a surprisingly readable and grounded read. This is perhaps the strongest aspect of van Deurzen’s approach - an ability to understand social development and its often profoundly disturbing effects on the psychology of the individual and to remind us of what is really important in living' - Counsellingbooks.com `There is a lot to be said for the existential approach in counselling and therapy, and the honesty, intelligence and experience that Emmy van Deurzen brings to her account say it very persuasively. This, thankfully, is not a book setting out a system or founding a school of therapy, but one the reader can engage with constructively to elaborate his or her own position on some very fundamental issues' - David Smail `Existential Counselling in Practice was without doubt one of the classic texts in this field, and of considerable significance for the wider landscape of therapy too. Existential Counselling & Psychotherapy in Practice is bound to ensure that van Deurzen's practical wisdom continues to influence the future development of existential psychotherapy and counselling for many more years to come' - Simon du Plock, Journal of the Society for Existential Analysis 'Van Deurzen's introduction to existential counselling is outstanding and almost entirely devoid of the linguistic contortions which characterize some of the philosophical literature underpinning the field. For those with an interest in the practical side of existential approaches to counselling and psychotherapy - emphasising the challenges of living in the world rather than focusing on personal psychopathology - I can recommend none better' - CounsellingResource.com Existential Counselling & Psychotherapy in Practice is the Second Edition of the bestselling text, which offers a concrete framework and practical methods for working from an existential perspective. Central to the book is the belief that many of our problems and concerns arise out of the essential paradoxes of human existence, rather than from personal pathology. From this perspective, the purpose of counselling and psychotherapy is not viewed as problem-solving or skill-building, but as a means of enabling people to come to terms with living life as it is, with all its inherent contradictions. Emmy van Deurzen, a leading existential philosopher and therapist, presents a practical method of working, using systematic observation, clarification and reflection to help clients rediscover their inner strengths. She shows how personal assumptions, values and talents, once acknowledged, can be turned to constructive use. Using wide-ranging case examples the author also demonstrates the effectiveness of the existential approach in many different situations - from crisis work to dealing with chronic unhappiness. The existential approach is a well-respected form of psychotherapy, but most writing on the subject tends to be heavily theoretical. This book offers a practical and accessible alternative, which will be invaluable to those in training as well as to more experienced practitioners.
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
Emmy Van Deurzen
42 books139 followersEmmy van Deurzen (born 13 December 1951 in The Hague, Netherlands) is an existential therapist and honorary Professor at the University of Sheffield.
After moving to the UK in 1977 to work with anti-psychiatrists, she founded the Society for Existential Analysis in 1988, and later created a London-based training institute for the Lapproach at Regent's College in 1985, before leaving to found The New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in 1996 at Schiller International University. In 2010 The New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling became independent and is now situated in South Hampstead, London.
Her therapy work is based in existential philosophy, as a form of philosophical counseling, and focuses on enabling people to reflect on their lives with equal attention to past, present and future in order to draw on their strengths, talents and abilities, whilst facing up to the limitations of life.
- Wikipedia
After moving to the UK in 1977 to work with anti-psychiatrists, she founded the Society for Existential Analysis in 1988, and later created a London-based training institute for the Lapproach at Regent's College in 1985, before leaving to found The New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in 1996 at Schiller International University. In 2010 The New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling became independent and is now situated in South Hampstead, London.
Her therapy work is based in existential philosophy, as a form of philosophical counseling, and focuses on enabling people to reflect on their lives with equal attention to past, present and future in order to draw on their strengths, talents and abilities, whilst facing up to the limitations of life.
- Wikipedia
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
July 14, 2015
A slightly more systematic approach to existential therapy than Yalom's "Existential Psychotherapy", which is the one I read first. This one throws a few more pie charts and tables into the mix as well as introducing the four additional dimensions of human existence: physical, social, personal and spiritual. All of these can be measured against Yalom's four primary concerns: death, loneliness, freedom and meaninglessness. For such a potentially dense subject, the book is concise and straight to the point. Yalom is more philosophically inclined and spends much more time referencing and exploring the philosophical ideas behind existential therapy, from the Stoics to the existentialists. While these roots are also mentioned in this volume, the primary focus is still on practical application of such philosophical insights onto real life patients. Very interesting read and the 3rd edition also contains a nice further reading section.
September 16, 2011
For all those studying to be a therapist/counsellor, you won't be able to put this book down. Loved it.
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June 2, 2023Jättegivande bok! Pedagogisk och intressant, håller inte med om allt men lärt mig mycket! Kommer nog kunna plocka upp och använda i framtiden.
August 24, 2026
In furthering my understanding of the theoretical and practical elements of Existential Psychotherapy, I wanted to read this book and see if it could provide further information on how to do such therapy.
Following a very brief introduction that outlines the long history of Western philosophical thought, specifically in existential matters, from Socrates to Heidegger and the beginnings of existential therapy with Viktor Frankl, Deurzen dives into the framework of such therapy.
She explores the basic assumptions that Existential therapists hold, followed by the aim of such work; this followed by an exploration of the worldviews of the patient, including the physical, social, personal, and spiritual. From here, Deurzen discusses how the patient's assumptions and beliefs are to be reflected upon and questioned deeply by the patient themselves, in order to determine what are their true, deeply held beliefs and values that are marred by external expectations. She then discusses how emotions are explored, as well as dreams, meaning, and the imagination of the patient. In concluding the book, existential matters like our aloneness in the world; the consequences of our actions and the subsequent responsibilities we must hold; our ability to relate with other people; and the ability to be focused on the present - with a respect for the past and a realistic hope for the future, are all analyzed.
The writing throughout the textbook was very accessible and I liked the extensive case studies that were included to explore specific ideas or topics. Deurzen assumes at least a Masters-level understanding of therapy from the reader, as she does not explain the basic tenants of therapy or some of the behaviors that are taken for granted. If anything, she critically analyzes them and questions whether they may hinder our patient's interdependent abilities. For example, always expressing empathy for a patient to the point that they get stuck will certainly prevent growth.
In this way, the textbook also entails a lot of self-reflection on the part of the therapist, which may not be everyone's preference. I for one really enjoyed it and I found myself wanting to reflect even more on the reflection questions provided at the end of each chapter. I also found myself questioning a few of Deurzen's ideas, which I imagine is perfectly fine in her mind, as simply an indicator of not passively accepting all of the information.
One genuine critique that I think could be leveled to this book is that its strong emphasis on agency of the self may undermine an effective discussion and appreciation for the systemic factors in patient's lives. There are racial, economic, social, etc. factors which privilege some and oppress others. This book does not deny their existence, but it may be argued that it downplays it, with all rebuttals essentially being "yes and there is still something that can be done by the agency of the person, no matter what." I imagine this rebuttal could be seen as cold or uncaring to some patients who genuinely encounter problems and issues which are out of their hands due to broader societal powers at play.
I highly recommend this book to anyone going into existential therapy work. It compliments Irv Yalom's Existential Psychotherapy very well and I recommend reading Irv's book first, in order to learn some of the basic existential issues and to learn about the philosophical underpinnings in more detail.
Following a very brief introduction that outlines the long history of Western philosophical thought, specifically in existential matters, from Socrates to Heidegger and the beginnings of existential therapy with Viktor Frankl, Deurzen dives into the framework of such therapy.
She explores the basic assumptions that Existential therapists hold, followed by the aim of such work; this followed by an exploration of the worldviews of the patient, including the physical, social, personal, and spiritual. From here, Deurzen discusses how the patient's assumptions and beliefs are to be reflected upon and questioned deeply by the patient themselves, in order to determine what are their true, deeply held beliefs and values that are marred by external expectations. She then discusses how emotions are explored, as well as dreams, meaning, and the imagination of the patient. In concluding the book, existential matters like our aloneness in the world; the consequences of our actions and the subsequent responsibilities we must hold; our ability to relate with other people; and the ability to be focused on the present - with a respect for the past and a realistic hope for the future, are all analyzed.
The writing throughout the textbook was very accessible and I liked the extensive case studies that were included to explore specific ideas or topics. Deurzen assumes at least a Masters-level understanding of therapy from the reader, as she does not explain the basic tenants of therapy or some of the behaviors that are taken for granted. If anything, she critically analyzes them and questions whether they may hinder our patient's interdependent abilities. For example, always expressing empathy for a patient to the point that they get stuck will certainly prevent growth.
In this way, the textbook also entails a lot of self-reflection on the part of the therapist, which may not be everyone's preference. I for one really enjoyed it and I found myself wanting to reflect even more on the reflection questions provided at the end of each chapter. I also found myself questioning a few of Deurzen's ideas, which I imagine is perfectly fine in her mind, as simply an indicator of not passively accepting all of the information.
One genuine critique that I think could be leveled to this book is that its strong emphasis on agency of the self may undermine an effective discussion and appreciation for the systemic factors in patient's lives. There are racial, economic, social, etc. factors which privilege some and oppress others. This book does not deny their existence, but it may be argued that it downplays it, with all rebuttals essentially being "yes and there is still something that can be done by the agency of the person, no matter what." I imagine this rebuttal could be seen as cold or uncaring to some patients who genuinely encounter problems and issues which are out of their hands due to broader societal powers at play.
I highly recommend this book to anyone going into existential therapy work. It compliments Irv Yalom's Existential Psychotherapy very well and I recommend reading Irv's book first, in order to learn some of the basic existential issues and to learn about the philosophical underpinnings in more detail.
September 16, 2020
I'm not a therapist, but I've been considering going back to school to become one. This book paired well with the existential philosophy I was reading around the same time, and applying existential principles and ideas to therapy is a very interesting idea. I particularly liked the ideas of emotions being related to values and assumptions, which was helpful for me to understand in my own journey with therapy. I'm glad I happened upon this book randomly in a used English bookstore in Korea.
July 30, 2019
A treasure trove for aspiring counsellors and those curious about the philosophy and practical application of existentialism. Van Deurzen writes incredibly well in a down-to-earth but not dumbed down way and I will reread this one many times, I have no doubt.
July 26, 2021
A good read on existential psychotherapy. Its main asset for me is its practical connotations, since there is not much bibliography in the field with an emphasis on applied existential psychotherapy.
At times though I found it unnecessarily loquacious and repetitive.
At times though I found it unnecessarily loquacious and repetitive.
July 14, 2018
تاثیر گذار اما نه چندان و در راستای عنوان در عمل
March 5, 2022
A great look into applying existential philosophy to therapy.
October 23, 2023
I read the most current edition of this. It is excellent, lots of philosophy to ground it along with actionable approaches to use with clients.
May 26, 2025
A great read for anyone interested on applying existential philosophy in therapeutic practice. An invaluable source in my personal library.
November 27, 2012
A great book for those interested in existential practice.
September 16, 2015
What a great source of knowledge. Highly recommended. Kind of sad (or something alike, like pity, I guess) for finishing this reading.
September 16, 2017
This is fantastically well written. Even if you don't have a background in philosophy you will be able to grasp the philosophical themes since they are applied to situations we can all relate to.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews