Conceptualisation and Existential Therapy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65828/0r2cr958Abstract
It seems that humans are conceptualising beings; if not universally, then at least in our Western culture. Existential thought tries to avoid abstract conceptualisation and aims to describe concrete experience. This paper examines the apparent paradox of therapists aiming to work existentially within a Western conceptualising culture. I approach the use of conceptualisation in existential therapy from a Heideggerian perspective. First of all, I look briefly at the development of existential therapy from its roots in the work of Binswanger and Boss to its practice today. Then I examine conceptualisation in psychotherapy that conflicts with Heidegger's philosophy and compare this with Heidegger's use of metaphor. Finally, I give an example of conceptualisation within contemporary existential therapy that conflicts with Heideggerian thought.
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