While reading the articles from Yalom we come across the idea of existentialism in psychotherapy. Existential psychotherapy is where the seriousness of the human condition is taken into consideration and is at the forefront of the therapeutic techniques. It takes an optimistic approach on the embraces human potential but at the same times it acknowledges the human has limitations as well. It is essentially relationally focused. Yalom believes that therapy is not a blank screen and there are some things that a therapist should do to effectively treat their patient. He also believes in two way relationships. That there is a wounded healer and the therapist should help the patient and at the same time the patient should help the therapist. There should be a well-balanced relationship and if both do not change then nothing happens. .
In his book, Existential Psychotherapy, Yalom says there are four reasons for our problems: 1) Death, 2) Freedom (& Responsibility), 3) Isolation, and 4) Meaninglessness. According to Yalom, these four existential realities are the source of most psychological difficulties and have no definitive answers. Although other existentialists can be more optimistic about the ability of people to find answers to these questions, it is generally agreed that these four issues are central to the human experience.
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My initial response to this reading was that it was an interesting way to interpret a method to solve psychological methods. I thought that it showed in a general sense there are different ways to help your patient. I think that this is exciting because in a sense this would the type of psychological procedures I would like to use when treating my patients. I think that it would help the patient in the best way possible and help them solve their issues. What is my favorite thing about this is the idea of how your patient views you. I think that it is important that your patient views you as someone you can talk to, but also that your patient may project some feelings on you that you did not cause is interesting to think about as a result on how they view you.
