The Existential Counselling Primer 2nd edition: A concise introduction

by Mick Cooper

Part of the PCCS Books bestselling Primers in Counselling series, The Existential Counselling Primer is a concise summary of the philosophical origins of existentialist therapy, existentialist understandings of what it is to be human, and how both inform the theory and practice of existential counselling. It ends with a case study to demonstrate what the approach might look like in practice and includes a helpful glossary of key terms and terminology. The PCCS Books primers offer students concise, accessible descriptions of the key counselling approaches in widespread use today. The series is ideal for students needing texts that provide a bridge between introductory, intermediate and diploma courses or easily digested summaries of the different approaches for comparative essays and integrative theory assignments. The books are perfect supplements to the Steps in Counselling series to accompany students as they progress through training. They are also a helpful for qualified counsellors considering expanding their repertoire of skills. In this revised second edition, Mick Cooper has updated the references to incorporate important additions to the literature and added to some sections to reflect developments in thinking and practice.

Genres: Psychology

128 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2012

Reviews

[Bridie Tulloch · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great little book on existential therapy by Mick Cooper. Existential therapists are relational, the emphasis is on the authentic therapeutic relationship. It’s a phenomenological approach within which the therapist attempts to ‘bracket off’ there own ‘theories, assumptions, interpretations, prejudices and wants’ to meet the client with openness and a state of ‘not knowing’, coming from a state of ‘clear space’ in their minds. Phenomenological approaches consider the meaning and meaning making of their clients processes. Therapists aim to help their clients describe their experiences and how they experience their world, helping them to develop their awareness of their lived experience. The focus isn’t necessarily on past or present issues, but how the client experiences them in the moment whilst linking this to their past. The existential approach is humanistic, using exploring as a method of helping the client describe their inner experiences, in detail, in the moment. The re-telling of experiences is encouraged, as is focusing on bodily sensations as in focusing methods to explore what is present in the body. Dream interpretation can include a humanistic-psychodynamic method whereby the therapeutic relationship is at the forefront of the interpretation process.

[Evi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een miniscuul klein boekje met een zware lading. Duur voor zijn dikte, maar te kostbaar voor woorden. Dankzij Mick Cooper, waar ik overigens mee danste op het wereldcongres CCT, ben ik helemaal voorbereid op de start van de jaaropleiding existentiële therapie!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good at what it promises on the tin to be good for. I found it a helpful little book to speed-read ahead of my end-of-term papers to help me remember the major landmarks of this modality. It's not a book you read for nuance, it's one you read for mnemonics.

[Sippy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable and good and concise intro to existential therapy/counselling. Fit for rereading later on.

[Allan Claydon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting connecting the theoretical nature of existentialism and phenomenology with its practicality in improving and helping people live