Professional Documents
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Theories Final Final Final
Theories Final Final Final
Betty Ko
"No matter how close each of us becomes to another there remains a final unbridgeable
gap; each of us enters existence alone and must depart from it alone." (Yalom, 1980, p. 9)
The philosophical underpinnings of existential theory have always resonated with me.
elucidate why we exist. Irvin Yalom, in his seminal work, Existential Psychotherapy, described
death, isolation, loss of freedom, and meaninglessness as the "ultimate concerns" of humanity
(Yalom, 1980). These inquiries encourage us to reflect deeply on fundamental issues relevant to
Existential theory practiced in its purest form allows for a rich and deeply meaningful
expanding on an innate desire for connection and meaning. And yet what defines existential
therapy and gives it its unique strength is also what creates its deficits.
defined set of techniques (Halbur & Halbur, 2010). The primary goal of the therapy is to explore
humanistic philosophy related to life, death, isolation, and meaning in order to cultivate a deeper
understanding of human existence (Corey, 2017). Although individuals may eventually attain a
deeper awareness of purpose and meaning, existential therapy lacks concrete techniques to
implement change. Because of these limitations, I believe existential therapy would be best
utilized conjunctively with other theoretical orientations that would preserve the philosophical
integrity of existentialism, yet allow for identifying goals and developing a plan for change. The
therapeutic orientation that would help clients examine themselves within the social context of
their past, attain a deeper understanding of their present, and assess goals for the future.
The two forms of therapy I chose to integrate with the existential platform are Adlerian
therapy and reality therapy because of the contributions they could make in expanding the
existential theoretical model. Both theories share existentialism's tenets of individual choice,
freedom, and responsibility, making them theoretically compatible for integrating into practice
existentialism's approach by introducing techniques that could broaden the existential paradigm
by reorienting perceptions and beliefs (Corey, 2017). Much like existential therapy, the Adlerian
approach recognizes an individual's ability to choose their fate and embraces the
As part of the therapeutic process, Adlerian therapists utilize a broad range of techniques
adaptable to each client. The techniques allow for exploring the client's unique situation by
assessing a client's lifestyle, exploring family orientation, examining birth order and family
constellation, helping clients identify errors in their private logic, exploring early recollections,
and viewing a person in their social context (Corey, 2017). These techniques attempt to assess
the client's lifestyle in the social context of the past and present, while cultivating social interest
as part of future objectives (Halbur & Halbur, 2010). Because existential therapy works towards
relationships would address the therapeutic objectives of both theories (Tarsha, 2016).
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that allows for adaptability of techniques to clients and their respective situations (Corey, 2017).
Because of its humanistic perspective, Adlerian therapy is universally appealing, making it ideal
for multicultural counseling. Its interpersonal emphasis and phenomenological nature make it
ideal for integrating with existentialism for multicultural application. Adler's emphasis on free
will, free choice, and the belief that individuals possess the ability to choose behaviors align with
the existentialistic perspective (Halbur & Halbur, 2010). What some consider lacking with the
Adlerian approach is that it could be considered conceptually vague and difficult to validate
empirically (Corey, 2017). I believe techniques of Adlerian therapy can be selectively integrated
with existentialism to gain a more holistic understanding of an individual's social orientation and
phenomenological perspective.
Reality therapy, which evolved from choice theory, recognizes behavior as purposeful
and intentional, ie., teleological. Individuals seek to satisfy their need for meaningful
relationships and are motivated to attain defined objectives such as survival, power, freedom,
fun, and belonging (Corey, 2017). Reality therapy is ideal to integrate with existentialism
because of its orientation towards identifying goals and developing a plan of action. Because
behavior is viewed as purposeful, individuals are encouraged to assess their wants, evaluate their
behavior, and exercise the freedom to make choices based on this self-assessment (Corey, 2017).
Key techniques of reality therapy include utilizing skillful questioning and applying the "WDEP"
model which provides a theoretical framework for the client to explore wants, evaluate behavior
and direction, and implement a plan for change (Corey, 2017). The techniques are action-
oriented and require the client to self-evaluate and establish an effective plan for change. A good
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plan is defined as simple, attainable, measurable, immediate and involved, and controlled,
Because a recognized strength of reality therapy is that the techniques are well-
delineated, easy to apply, and action-oriented, I believe reality therapy would be ideal to
constructive model that emphasizes the freedom to define goals, evaluate behavior and take
responsibility for implementing changes, themes integral to existentialism (Corey, 2017). Since
reality therapy does not typically emphasize self-exploration, one of its inherent deficits,
integrating existentialism into its theoretical model can help an individual with self-awareness of
their human condition as part of the therapeutic process. Another recognized deficiency of reality
therapy is its failure to recognize the influence of social and cultural factors on behavior, making
Adlerian therapy's lifestyle assessment and family and social analysis ideal for integrating into
capitalizing on the strengths and compensating for the limitations of each orientation.
Integrative Model
The theoretical compatibility of reality therapy and Adlerian therapy make them both
ideal to integrate with existentialism. Not only do both theories share the optimistic view that
individuals possess the power to change their own lives, but also exhibit an orientation towards
identifying goals and developing plans for action (Robey et al., 2017). Both theories emphasize
the significance of social interest and share the belief with existentialism that people have the
ability to take responsibility for their own behavior and make effective choices (Corey, 2017).
Exploring an individual's choices from the philosophical platform of existentialism allows for an
effective self-reflective, integrative therapeutic model. Existential therapy does not confine the
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therapist to specific techniques or interventions, making it an ideal platform to integrate with the
psychodynamic approach of Adlerian therapy and the pragmatic approach of reality therapy
(Halbur & Halbur, 2010). Clients can effectively utilize the Adlerian lifestyle assessment and the
"WDEP" model towards constructing an existential roadmap that could lead to a more fulfilling
Application/Setting
Application would be ideally suited for individuals, groups, couples and family settings
with wide application to clients suffering from a broad range of humanistic issues such as
depression, anxiety, and those experiencing life transitions. In particular, this approach could be
useful for those experiencing a life crisis or developmental challenges such as marital failure, job
loss, death, and life changes (Corey, 2017). According to Rollo May, existentialism seeks to
analyze the structure of human existence that could ultimately lead to "an understanding of the
reality underlying all situations of human beings in crisis." (May, Angel, & Ellenberger, 1958,
p.7) I believe an integrative model could effectively address a broad range of human problems
and alleviate social issues that impede personal growth. Since reality therapy and Adlerian
therapy recognize that humans are motivated by social engagements and quality relationships,
alliance, clients would be asked existential questions related to how they are presently living and
how they are willing to live (Schneider, 2016). Understanding a client's social upbringing would
be relevant to addressing issues of belonging, social relevance, purpose, isolation, and meaning.
As a client attains a level of self-awareness of their social and familial upbringing, efforts could
be made to assess present and future orientations using the WDEP model while establishing
therapist could direct a client to assess their current behavior, examine whether their behavior is
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meeting current objectives, and address their willingness to change (Corey, 2017). As part of
striving towards self-awareness, clients would be encouraged to identify their strengths and
abilities as a constructive way to work towards change. An integral objective of this integrated
model would be to help the client define their purpose, be aware of their ability to direct their
lives, assess their desires and behavior, and strive for inner growth and change. By applying this
integrated approach, clients can experience existential realities and a better understanding of
their social orientation while constructing a plan for change. I believe integrating the goal-
The positive, proactive approach of this model facilitates exploring available choices and
capitalizing on the freedom to choose, which are inherent to the self-deterministic philosophy of
all three theories. Emphasis on an individual's strengths and capacity for change allows for
exploring the universal themes of existentialism (ie., death, isolation, and meaninglessness) in a
positive manner by expounding on the possibilities and opportunities of existence (Corey, 2017).
By seeking a balance between understanding the existential dimensions of human existence with
the possibilities for change and growth, a therapist utilizing this integrative approach can help
navigate a client on a path from awareness and acceptance to personal growth and change.
Applying this integrated model to a group setting could encourage members to collaboratively
engage in self-exploration, make wants, needs and behavior self-assessments, and openly
cultivate plans for change. As individuals overcome the life issues that are deeply important to
them, they can begin to cultivate new, more aligned paths (Schneider, 2016). After carefully
constructing their lifestyle and social orientation, clients can evolve to cultivate more meaningful
social connections in their lives as they make more effective choices. These new possibilities can
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come in the form of a new job, new relationship, or cultivating more authentic relationships.
Ideally, the client would grow beyond specific goals as they attain more awareness in the
therapeutic process and eventually come to embrace the freedom and possibility that life offers
(Schneider, 2016).
Because existential theory is based on fundamental human themes, this integrated model
is ideal for application to diversity issues and effective for groups and multicultural settings. The
universal themes of existentialism transcend cultural boundaries, making it appealing for diverse
populations (Corey, 2017). Further, combining Adlerian's humanistic approach expands this
universal appeal making it readily adaptable to diversity situations because of its interpersonal
emphasis and phenomenological approach. A therapist can adapt the exploration of social
context, family constellation, etc. in the lifestyle assessment appropriately to a client's social,
cultural realities while integrating the approach with an existential platform. Furthermore, since
reality therapy is based on universal principles and the phenomenological perspective, therapists
can help clients explore options within their cultural context. Principles of this integrative model
counseling. A limitation of this approach is that it may not be ideally suited for those not
interested in a self-exploratory process or not motivated to change. It may not also be a good fit
for those with poor verbal skills or seeking immediate intervention. This integrative model is
therapeutic relationship is the most conducive environment for emotional healing. All therapeutic
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approaches therefore should be thoughtfully selected and applied to best address the interests of
the individual and their respective situations. Because all three theories rely heavily on the
quality of the therapeutic alliance, cultivating an authentic relationship would be an essential part
Conclusion
the techniques of reality therapy and Adlerian therapy to existential theory. By utilizing a
multidisciplinary orientation, therapists can create a goal-oriented model that encourages self-
exploration and growth while developing a plan for change. This integrated model could assist
clients in gaining an awareness into how their social context has shaped their development and
behavior and how they can cultivate social objectives to address existential concerns. By
applying the solution-based techniques of reality therapy to existential therapy, a therapist can
establish a venue for exploring choices, capitalize on the freedom to make choices, and define
one's existence in meaningful ways within society. By embracing the phenomenological world of
the client, both Adlerian therapy and reality therapy allow for preserving the exploration of the
subjective reality of the client while exploring humanistic issues such as death, freedom,
isolation, and meaninglessness (Corey, 2017). Because existential therapy is recognized for its
philosophical ideology, not its techniques, integrating both the goal-oriented approach of reality
therapy and the social-orientation techniques of Adlerian therapy allows for capitalizing on each
theory's respective strengths while compensating for their limitations. The role of an existential-
based counselor would not be to liberate a client from the anxiety created from humanistic
issues, but to act as a catalyst to help the client become more self-aware so they can make
healthier life choices (Corey, 2017). By utilizing this integrated model, I believe therapists can
References
Corey, G. (2017). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy. Boston, MA: Cengage
Learning.
May, R. E., Ernest, A., & Ellenberger, H. (1958). Existence: A new dimension in psychiatry and
Robey, P.A., Wubbolding, R.E., & Malters, M. (2017). A comparison of choice theory and
Tarsha, A.A. (2016). The role of Existential Therapy in the prevention of social media-driven
http://www.existentialanalysis.co.uk/page22.html