Existential Theory and Solution-Focused Strategies: Integration and Application

Abstract

A sound theoretical approach is essential to the professional integrity of mental health counselors. This article examines the basic concepts of existential theory, indicates how this theory provides a sound theoretical basis for mental health counseling, and supports the thesis that brief solution-focused therapy is a clinical application of existential theory. An illustration of brief solution-focused existential therapy is provided from the author's experience counseling tsunami victims in Sri Lanka.

Violence Survivors With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Treatment by Integrating Existential and Narrative Therapies

“…Existential therapy is a phenomenological journey that denounces the deterministic view of human nature and assists clients in finding value, significance, and purpose in their lives (Dreyfus, 1962;Fernando, 2007;Seligman, 2006). This approach is not based on a system of techniques but rather is a sincere attempt to understand the client's worldview via the therapeutic encounter (Dreyfus, 1962).…”

“…This approach is not based on a system of techniques but rather is a sincere attempt to understand the client's worldview via the therapeutic encounter (Dreyfus, 1962). The overarching theme of this theory is to authentically connect with one's real self in the present moment (Fernando, 2007). When a client is able to establish this connection, awareness is heightened, as is the ability to find and satisfy parts of the self that have been denied previously (Bugental & Bracke, 1992;Fernando, 2007).…”

“…The overarching theme of this theory is to authentically connect with one's real self in the present moment (Fernando, 2007). When a client is able to establish this connection, awareness is heightened, as is the ability to find and satisfy parts of the self that have been denied previously (Bugental & Bracke, 1992;Fernando, 2007). The inevitability of our and our loved ones' deaths, freedom to make our lives as we will, isolation or ultimate loneliness, and meaninglessness are four inescapable givens that ground our existence (Yalom, 1989).…”

“…Meaninglessness signifies a loss of significance associated with one's purpose and certainty of universal meaning (Dreyfus, 1962). Existential therapists strive to assist clients in paving productive paths for their suffering rather than alleviate emotional pain (Fernando, 2007). Assisting the client in "discovering possibilities where none seemed previously to exist, is an intrinsically powerful experience for those who have felt powerless and empty" (Bugental & Bracke, 1992, p. 31).…”

“…Use of externalization may enable the client to take a collective appraisal of his or her misery to reduce avoidance and immobilization toward channeling pain and creating future goals (Fernando, 2007). Once connected with his or her pain, the client might be more inclined to embrace anxiety management techniques versus sustain avoidance and numbing mechanisms, which ultimately fuel negative coping skills.…”