Deck 6: Existential Therapy

Question 1

Yalom (1980) identified 4 existential themes of human existence. Identify and briefly discuss each of the 4 themes.

Answer 1

Yalom (1980) identified 4 existential themes of human existence: death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness.

1. Death: This theme revolves around the human awareness of mortality and the fear of nonexistence. It encompasses the struggle to come to terms with the inevitability of death and the impact it has on how individuals live their lives.

2. Freedom: This theme explores the paradox of human existence, where individuals are both burdened and empowered by the freedom to make choices. It delves into the anxiety and responsibility that comes with the ability to make decisions and shape one's own destiny.

3. Isolation: This theme focuses on the fundamental aloneness of the human experience, despite living in a world filled with others. It examines the struggle to connect with others and the existential angst that arises from the sense of separateness.

4. Meaninglessness: This theme addresses the search for purpose and significance in a world that can seem chaotic and devoid of inherent meaning. It encompasses the existential crisis that arises when individuals grapple with the question of whether life has any ultimate significance.

These existential themes are central to the human experience and can have profound implications for individuals' psychological and emotional well-being. Yalom's identification and exploration of these themes have contributed to a deeper understanding of human existence and the challenges individuals face in navigating their lives.

Question 2

Describe how existential therapists complete assessments with clients.

Answer 2

Existential therapists complete assessments with clients by engaging in a collaborative and exploratory process. They aim to understand the client's subjective experiences, beliefs, values, and the meaning they find in their lives. This involves open-ended conversations, active listening, and a focus on the client's unique perspective. Existential therapists may also use psychometric assessments to gain a better understanding of the client's concerns and to track their progress over time. However, the emphasis is on the client's lived experiences and how they make sense of their existence, rather than on standardized assessments. The goal of the assessment process is to gain insight into the client's existential concerns, such as freedom, responsibility, isolation, and meaninglessness, in order to tailor therapy to their individual needs.

Question 3

Think about a significant loss in your life (e.g., death of a pet, friend, or relative; the loss of a friendship). Do you see any existential themes in your reactions to thinking about this loss? How was your life changed by this loss?

Answer 3

The significant loss in my life that comes to mind is the death of my grandmother. When I think about this loss, I can definitely see existential themes in my reactions. I find myself grappling with questions about the meaning of life, the inevitability of death, and the concept of legacy. I also find myself reflecting on my own mortality and the fleeting nature of time.

This loss has changed my life in profound ways. It has made me more aware of the preciousness of life and the importance of cherishing moments with loved ones. It has also prompted me to reevaluate my priorities and focus on living a life that aligns with my values and brings me fulfillment. Additionally, it has deepened my understanding of grief and the need for self-care and support during difficult times. Overall, this loss has had a lasting impact on my perspective and approach to life.

Question 4

What is bracketing and why is it an important therapeutic technique for existential therapists?

Question 5

Discuss one criticism of existential theory that the author highlighted in the text.

Question 6

Which of the following most fundamentally distinguishes existential therapy from the schools of therapy preceding it?

A) A focus on understanding and interpreting human behavior
B) An interest in the influence of cognitions on behavior
C) The use of free association in therapy sessions
D) A focus on concrete experience rather than understanding thoughts, feelings and behavior in systematic terms.

Question 7

The role of an existential counselor can best be described as a:

A) Technical advisor
B) Friend or ally
C) Coach or teacher
D) Sage or guide

Question 8

According to existential theorists, authentic living refers to:

A) Being totally honest when dealing with other people
B) An awareness of, and acceptance for, choices and opportunity available in life
C) A rugged and independent lifestyle in which one is not reliant on other people
D) People who have used opportunities in life to be successful

Question 9

The techniques used by the founders of existential counseling:

A) Tended to be versatile and based on what they thought would work with the client
B) Tended to incorporate psychoanalytic ideas
C) Did not include techniques that would create distance between the counselor and client
D) All of these

Question 10

The following key words and themes are all associated with existential psychotherapy EXCEPT:

A) Freedom
B) Hope
C) Death
D) Isolation

Question 11

Existential counselors believe that ______ is the primary mechanism of change.

A) the relationship
B) the client's defense mechanism
C) the counselor's expertise
D) the client's courage

Question 12

The most important task of existentialism is:

A) Becoming
B) Withdrawing
C) Healing
D) Confronting

Question 13

According to Frankl (1984), "______ is the ultimate and highest goal to which man can aspire."

A) Being educated
B) Love
C) Being respected
D) Having money

Question 14

For existential therapy theorists, meaning is

A) inherent
B) not really necessary
C) created
D) a and c

Question 15

If you were an existential therapy theorist and your client was "being in the physical world," what is the correct term for that state of being?

A) Umwelt
B) Mitwelt
C) Eigenwelt
D) Bigwelt

Question 16

If you were an existential therapy theorist and your client was "in the inner psychological world," what is the correct term for that state of being?

A) Umwelt
B) Mitwelt
C) Eigenwelt
D) Bigwelt

Question 17

In existential theory, the ultimate concern is:

A) bankruptcy
B) being unloved
C) death
D) a and c

Question 18

Cooper (2008) suggested that because of the emphasis on uniqueness that leads to the challenge of "mainstream" ideas, ET may be particularly suitable for those who

A) are more traditional
B) prefer a traditional counselor/client relationship
C) have been marginalized
D) have a weak ego structure

Question 19

When a client is experiencing guilt about possibilities unfulfilled, this is called

A) Catholic guilt
B) existential guilt
C) Umwelt guilt
D) normal guilt

Question 20

An existential therapy counselor is more interested in the client's ____ experience than his/her ____.

A) present/past
B) present/future
C) past/present
D) future/present

Question 21

Authenticity involves

A) courage
B) determination
C) willingness to face our own anxiety about not being
D) all of the above

Question 22

The most severe type of meaninglessness, according to Maddi (2005) is

A) nihilism
B) vegetativeness
C) comatose
D) none of the above

Question 23

If you were an existential therapy theorist and your client was "in the final dimension, the spiritual world," what is the correct term for that state of being?

A) Umwelt
B) Mitwelt
C) Eigenwelt
D) Uberwelt

Question 24

An existential therapy counselor asks her client to meditate on her death, picture her funeral, write her obituary and decide what she would wear. This technique is known as:

A) Bracketing
B) Guided Fantasy
C) Dereflection
D) Paradoxical Intention

Question 25

The _____________ technique used in existential therapy means that the counselor must learn to suspend one's beliefs and biases in favor of fully understanding the client's world.

A) Guided fantasy
B) Dereflection
C) Bracketing
D) Paradoxical Intention

Question 26

Schneider and Krug (2010) identified three phases of the existential therapy process. They include all of the following, EXCEPT

A) client is anxious
B) sense of willingness on part of client
C) lack of engagement with one's world
D) creativity, stronger sense of mean and purpose in life

Question 27

A clear contract should be established as existential therapy counseling begins, including

A) length of therapy, location, and fees
B) a list of the client's strengths and weaknesses
C) an assessment of the client's material in terms of the 4 ways of being
D) none of the above