Paradox and Passion in Psychotherapy

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: Self‐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 Hard‐earned Lessons: a Therapist’s own Journey to Self‐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 Marie‐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

Emmy van Deurzenis a Philosopher, Counselling Psychologist, and Existential Psychotherapist. She founded the School of Psychotherapy and Counselling at Regent’s College, UK, the Society for Existential Analysis, and the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, of which she continues to be Principal. She lectures worldwide and is currently Visiting Professor at Middlesex University, UK. She was the first chair of the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy, and was instrumental in establishing the existential approach in the UK and Europe. Her books include Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling in Practice (3rd edition, 2012), Psychotherapy and the Quest for Happiness (2008), and Everyday Mysteries (2^nd edition, 2010).

Paradox and Passion in Psychotherapy, second edition, is a fully updated edition of a classic guide to existential psychotherapy by a leading practitioner in the field. The first edition was widely praised for the author’s directness and honesty in examining the therapeutic process, and the Second Edition continues that tradition by considering the personal and subjective dimensions of psychotherapy in a fresh and bold manner. The author weaves together concepts of existential psychotherapy with case studies and her own experiential observations in a seamless narrative, covering a wide range of issues including loneliness, survival, self-understanding, love, and passion. Throughout, the book provides practical and commonsense approaches to tackling sensitive issues in the therapeutic relationship with an emphasis on transparency and authenticity for both the client and therapist.