Heartbreak and Despair: An analysis of Kierkegaard's applicability to secular existential analysis
Winning entry to the SEA/Existential Analysis Writing Award on Kierkegaardian Contributions to Existential Therapy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65828/qjbc8995Keywords:
Kierkegaard, Anti-Climacus, Yalom, ultimate concern, heartbreak, despairAbstract
Kierkegaard's model of despair and its resolution in faith has parallels with how the existential analyst approaches a client who is avoiding awareness of ultimate concerns. This pertains particularly to clients whose romantic heartbreak masks a deeper existential concern.
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References
Field, T. (2011). Romantic breakups, heartbreak and bereavement. Psychology, 2 (4): 382-387.
Kierkegaard, S. (1981). The Concept of Anxiety. Trans. Hong, H. & Hong, E. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Kierkegaard, S. (1983). The Sickness Unto Death. Trans. Hong, H. & Hong, E. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Kierkegaard, S. (1991). Practice in Christianity. Trans. Hong, H. & Hong, E. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Kierkegaard, S. (1995). Works of Love. Trans. Hong, H. & Hong, E. Princeton: Princeton University Press.
Sartre, J-P. (1953). Existential Psychoanalysis. Trans. Barnes, H. Chicago: Henry Regnery Company.
Yalom, I. (1980). Existential Psychotherapy. New York: Basic Books.
