Existential approach to groups

1. Existential approach to groups By: Britany Dean GCEP 550, Nick Sotelo Existentialism = A branch of philosophical thought

2. History & founders Existential tradition seeks a balance between recognizing the limits & tragic dimensions of human existence with the possibilities & opportunities of human life. Jean-Paul Sartre Rollo May Viktor Frankl • Martin Heidegger • James Bugental • Irvin Yalom • More Recent Contributors • Laing and Cooper • Emmy van Deuzen

3. Existential intRo *A Lens to look through* Ultimate Concerns Death Freedom Existential Isolation Meaninglessness A journey through the perceived experience of the individual. We are responsible for our actions. We are what we choose to be. The choices that shape our existence are ongoing & never settled.

4. Key conceptsA way to view and understand group members • Self-Awareness • Self-Determination & Personal Responsibility • Existential Anxiety • Death & Nonbeing • The Search for Meaning • The Search for Authenticity • Aloneness & Relatedness

5. Self-Awareness • Self awareness is the foundation • Greater awareness = Greater possibilities for freedom • Leaders must alert members of the price paid for greater self-awareness To what degree am I aware of who I am and where I am going? How do I experience my world? What meanings do I attach to the events I experience? In what way can I increase my self-awareness? In what concrete ways does expanded consciousness increase my range of alternatives? Questions for group members to consider

6. SELF-DETERMINATION & PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY • What we become is the result of our own choices! • Our past does NOT dictate our future. • We can NOT wait for the environment or others to change. Death & nonbeing Death is essential to the discovery of meaning Urgency is created from the present being all we have It is not how long but how we live that determines meaning In a process of change, old parts of ourselves must die for new parts to emerge. How would you assess your quality of life right now...? If you knew you were about to die how would your answer above change…?

7. EXISTENTIAL ANXIETY WHAT’S THAT? The basic unease we experience when we become aware of our vulnerability and our inevitable death. This unavoidable experience is an invitation to freedom. • Uncertainty… an ever present threat, but equally a source of transformation. • 1stAccept anxieties • 2nd Commit to action Sources of anxiety (must be worked through in therapy) Recognition of separateness but need to be with others Guilt over not living authentically Emptiness in the universe and lack of meaning The burden of responsibility associated with choosing for oneself Fear of death and nonbeing

8. Do I like the direction of my life? If not how can I change it? The search for meaning Who am I? • We must constantly be answering existential questions to create our meaning. • Meaning must be found by the individual and is not found overnight. Why am I here? Areas to create meaning • Work • Loving • Suffering • Doing for others Where am I going? What in my life satisfies me most ?

9. the search for authenticity • Authenticity is a lifestyle • Engaging in what we see worthwhile and being true to ourselves. • Knowing & accepting our limits. • Existential Guilt = We all fall short of what we could become. It is said to grow out of incompleteness… • Spiritual dimensions & higher aspirations can be addressed to provide inspiration • Romans 3:23-24 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”

10. Aloneness & Relatedness Despite friendships & other relationships we are ultimately alone. Without our own inner strength we can NOT have nourishing relationships. • It is NOT in others that we find answers to life’s questions about significance & purpose. • Group members are existentially alone but not alone in their struggles.

11. 3 Phases of group • PHASE 1: Counselors assist participants in… • Identifying & clarifying assumptions • Challenges to look at values, beliefs, & assumptions more critically to determine validity. • Evaluating personal responsibility in their problem situation. “How have I kept myself in a victimized stance?” • PHASE 2: Members examine more fully… • The source and authority of their present value system • Their spiritual selves and find meaning in that as well • PHASE 3: • Members put what they are learning into action • Leaders help empower members to move towards concrete changes while also highlighting discovered strengths.

12. The purpose of group • An existential group can be described as people making a commitment to a life long journey of self-exploration with these goals… • Enabling members to become truthful with themselves • Widening their perspectives of themselves and the world around them • Clarifying what gives meaning to their present and future life • Successfully negotiating and coming to terms with past, present, and future crises • Understanding themselves and others better so that they can communicate more effectively with others

13. More goals & Techniques • Discover alternative options then choose what gives the clients life meaning • Challenge clients to enlarge their vision of themselves as being free to engage in action towards change • Have courage to deal with the uncertainty that is an inevitable part of living Understandingover Technique • Emphasis on experiencing the ct. in the present & exploring their subjective reality • A variety of techniques can be used • Assumptions & Attitudes guide intervention

14. COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP Leader’s role THERAPEUTIC ALLIANCE SHARED VENTURE The therapeutic relationship is given highest priority • Journey through perceived experience of the client • Challenge clients to revise their answers to life’s existential questions to live more authentically • Increase range & depth of awareness • Confront victimization & members living by unexamined values • Leaders should constantly be challenging members with ?s

15. Existential groups in schools • Adolescence are faced with existential questions often • Growing violence in schools makes the reality of death much more close to home • Crisis-oriented groups are a great example of where an existential lens could be very beneficial • Answers to bring closure are not necessary • Leaders may encourage students to fully acknowledge and express feelings & thoughts

16. Some things to consider CONS PROS • Flexibility in style • Does not impose particular values • Focus on universality • Spirituality is incorporated without pushing a particular religion • Humanizes psychotherapy • The lack of structure risks therapy becoming ineffective • Short term approaches are difficult • Ideas can be abstract & difficult to apply • Does not work well for clients who want relief from specific symptoms & want more direction from the therapist

17. We are the authors of our own lives & there are many ways in which each of us can create a meaningful life. Authenticity Responsibility Self-Awareness Journey meaning Freedom Choice Empowerment death anxiety openness Self-determination