Paradox and Passion in Psychotherapy , second edition, is a fully updated edition of a classic guide to existential psychotherapy by one of its leading practitioner.
- Examines the personal and subjective dimensions of psychotherapy in a fresh and bold manner
- Offers practical and common-sense approaches to tackling sensitive issues when working with clients with an emphasis on transparency and authenticity
- Weaves together concepts of existential psychotherapy with case studies and the author’s experiential observations in a seamless narrative
- Covers a wide range of intimate existential issues, including loneliness, survival, self-understanding, love, and passion
About the Author ix
Preface to the Second Edition x
Preface to the First Edition xii
Acknowledgements xv
Introduction 1
Section 1 Paradox 15
Introduction: The Central Role of Paradox in Human Existence 15
1 Ontological Insecurity Revisited: SelfÂ]confidence Versus Anxiety 23
2 Courting Death: Life in the Balance 37
3 The Survival of the Self: Identity, Freedom and Disintegration 58
4 Intimacy and Love: Closeness and Distance Between Self and Other 69
5 Alienation and Adaptation: Being a Stranger in a Foreign Land 77
Section 2 Passion 87
Introduction: the Central Role of Passion in Human Existence 87
6 A Passion for Life: Rediscovering the Intensity of Living 95
7 Truth as a Touchstone: Reality and Meaning as the Bedrock of Living 106
8 HardÂ]earned Lessons: a Therapist’s own Journey to SelfÂ]understanding 121
9 Letting the Client’s Life Touch Yours: the Art of Resonance and Presence 143
10 The Moral Compass: How Can Counselling and Therapy Help? 158
Section 3 Existential Psychotherapy 173
Introduction: A New Way of Working 173
11 Widening Horizons: Universal Dimensions of the Human Dilemma 177
12 What is Existential Analysis? Sketch for an Existential Approach 189
13 Philosophy as Therapy: The Ultimate Goal of our Work 200
14 A New Challenge: Towards Transcendence 208
Section 4 Illustrations of Existential Work 223
Introduction: What We Can Learn From Practice 223
15 MarieÂ]Louise: Letting Go of the Past in Order to Reclaim it 227
16 Vicky: Learning to Be More by Being Less 233
17 Peter: Finding Oneself in Spite of Psychotherapy 241
18 Jerry: Transcending Trauma 251
Conclusions 263
References 266
Index 273
