Existential therapy: A useful approach to trauma?

Abstract

BackgroundLiterature has suggested that the cyclical nature of psychological trauma can lead toenduring long-term effects on individuals and those around them.Content and FocusThis review examines the effects of psychological trauma and its relationship with existential therapy, not to endorse a particular approach in isolation, but to explore a variety of understandings of psychological trauma pertinent to counselling psychology. Despite being relatively unexplored with regards to psychological trauma, favourable empirical evidence is beginning to amass for existential therapy. A review of the contributions (and limitations) of existing approaches to trauma therapy is initially considered before the focus turns to the contribution that existential therapy might make. van Deurzen’s existential dimensions (1997) and Jacobsen’s existential conceptualisations ofcrisisare considered in some depth, along with the limitations and empirical challengesof existential therapy.ConclusionsSpeculative practical and therapeutic implications are identified and relevant futureresearch is suggested.

South African professional Super Rugby players’ lived experiences of career-related traumatic injuries: A descriptive phenomenological analysis

“…[ 9 ] The effect of a traumatic event may incorporate psychological ramifications, such as a sudden sense of helplessness or the loss of control of one’s ability to feel safe or secure within one’s own body and/or the outside world. [ 10 ] Psychologically, trauma can be viewed as a situation or an event that shatters a person’s basic assumptions about themselves and the world they live in. [ 11 ] For the purposes of this research, an SRI is considered as a traumatic event, which has threatened the anatomical integrity of a competitor.…”

“…Therefore, a traumatic rugby injury (TRI) is an SRI that consists of its related physical, psychological, social, financial, and career-impacting consequences. [ 3 , 10 ]…”

Associations Between Existential Concerns and Adverse Experiences: A Systematic Review

“…Most persons experience at least one violent or life-threatening event in their life and everyone is likely to experience the pain and disorientation of losing a loved one (Mancini & Bonnano, 2006). In fact, trauma is increasingly being recognized not as a specialized area, but as a fundamental part of human experiences (Corbett & Milton, 2011).…”

“…The PTSD is a frequent response to adverse experiences, but there are other associated disorders that may appear like depression and anxiety (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Moreover, a traumatic experience may climb to posttraumatic growth (PTG) or other psychological benefits (Corbett & Milton, 2011). Oversimplification of trauma may shut down the possibility of a diversity of experiences, stifling the individuals' ability to emotionally process their experiences in purposive and meaningful ways (Joseph, 2009).…”