Existential Model

THE EXISTENTIAL MODEL FOCUSES ON THE

PERSON'S EXPERIENCE IN THE HERE AND
NOW, WITH MUCH LESS ATTENTION
FOCUSED ON THE PERSON'S PAST THAN IS
THE CASE IN OTHER THEORETICAL MODELS.
 View of Behavioral Deviations

Existential theorist believe that behavioral deviations result

when one is out of touch with oneself or the environment. This
alienation is caused by self-imposed restrictions.
The individual is not free to choose from among all alternative
behaviors. Deviant behavior is a way of avoiding more socially
acceptable or more responsible behavior.
The person who is self-alienated feels helpless, sad, and lonely.
Self-criticism and lack of self-awareness prevent participation
in authentic, rewarding relationships with others. Theoretically,
the person has many choices in terms of behavior. However,
existentialists believe that people tend to avoid being real and
instead surrender to the demands of others.
 Existential Therapeutic Process

Existential therapy focuses on the importance of

experience in the present and the belief that humans find
meaning through their experiences. Existential therapies
assume that the patient must be able to choose freely
from what life has to offer. This therapeutic process
focuses on the encounter. The encounter is not merely the
meeting of two or more people; it also involves their
appreciation of the total existence of each other. Through
the encounter the patient is helped to accept and
understand personal history, to live fully in the present,
and to look forward to the future.
 Roles of Patient and Existential Therapist

Existential theorists emphasize that the therapist

and the patient are equal in their common humanity.
The therapists acts as a guide to the patient, who has
gone astray in the search for authenticity. The
therapists is direct in specifying areas where the
patient should consider changing, but caring and
warmth are also emphasized. The therapist and the
patient are to be open and honest. The therapeutic
experience is model for the patient; new behaviors
can be tested before risks are taken in life.
The patient is expected to assume and accept
responsibility for behavior. Dependence on the
therapist generally is not encouraged. The patient is
not treated as an adult. Often, illness is
deemphasized. The patient is viewed as a person who
is alienated from the self and others but for whom
there is hope if he or she trusts the therapist and
follows directions. The patient is always active in
therapy, working to meet the challenge presented by
the therapists.