The Question of Existential/ Phenomenological Therapy

Abstract

This paper seeks to better understand Heidegger’s definition of phenomenology and suggests that such questioning may be characteristic of, and appropriate to, a therapy that could be designated as existential. It further claims that in the same way that phenomenology makes clear and explicit an understanding that is initially vague and implicit, an existential/phenomenological therapeutic encounter does not work towards establishing a relationship between therapist and client, but brings to light the relationship that is always already there.