Existential‐behaviour therapy: A possible paradigm?

Abstract

A comparative discussion is presented of existential and behavioural psychotherapy, indicating where behavioural theory, empirical research and single case studies can be related to the existential emphasis on phenomenology and personal confrontation with death, freedom, isolation and meaninglessness. The conclusions are that: more recent emphasis on cognitive variables in behaviour therapy has brought the two conceptual systems closer together; and there is improvement in the understanding of aetiology and clinical effectiveness when the therapist incorporates existential-behavioural constructs and methods of working.

Health visiting as therapy: a phenomenological perspective

“…(1988 ), for example, found evidence that health visitors can, if trained, apply behavioural approaches. Despite this, seemingly, suitable match, a narrow behaviourist paradigm is presented by Butcher (1984 p. 265) who asks if the behaviour therapist can be satisfied with being ‘objective (non‐phenomenological), determinist, and not concerned with concepts like non‐being, isolation, and meaninglessness’. Such a narrow focus is incongruent with the paradigm of a phenomenological, caring role for health visiting.…”