Theory Critique

COUN 510-Theory Critique 2

Dr. Catherine Stowers

11/16/09

Existential Theory

The existential theory was founded and developed by several individuals. The existential theory has a wide variety of beliefs. The existential approach has a positive view of human nature; it emphasizes the freedom that human beings have to choose what to make of their circumstances. One of the main goals of existentialists is for their clients to get in touch with their real selves and to make deliberate choices in accordance with the real self and its wants, rather than permitting other persons or events to determine their behavior. One's real self is the way one is, with authentic feelings and emotions.

There are no uniform roles of an existential counselor because every client is unique; however existentialist counselors are sensitive to all aspects of their clients’ character (Gladding, 2009). Existential counselors are concerned with engaging in what matters most to the client, to avoid imposing their own judgments as well as to help the client to elaborate on their own perspective, with an ultimate view to the client's ability to live life well and in his own way. Gladding (2009) suggests that “it is not unusual for an existential counselor to share personal experiences with a client to deepen the relationship and help the client realize a shared humanness and struggle” (p.212). All existential counselors serve as a model of how to achieve individual potential and make decisions (Gladding, 2009).

The major techniques and methods of existentialists are few; however the most powerful technique is the relationship with the client. The counselor is usually open and self-revealing in an attempt to get the client to open up more and in touch with their feelings. Another powerful technique is confrontation. Existentialists confront clients with the idea that everyone is responsible for his or her own life.

Clients who view their problems as challenges, and...