Existential-Humanistic Therapy
You don’t have to be struggling with a mental health diagnosis in order to engage in therapy. Therapy is for anyone who is interested in personal growth, self-understanding and enrichment. Existential-humanistic therapy
Existential-humanistic therapy is a therapeutic approach that combines elements of existential philosophy and humanistic psychology to help individuals explore and understand their subjective experiences, find meaning and purpose in life, and live authentically.
Existential-humanistic therapy has roots to several renowned psychologists and philosophers. These include Abraham Maslow, known for developing the popular hierarchy of human needs, and the philosophies of existential philosophers like Soren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche.
What follows is an overview of its key principles and techniques of Existential-Humanistic Therapy:
Existential Philosophy: Existential-humanistic therapy is rooted in existential philosophy, which emphasizes the inherent freedom, responsibility, and meaning-making capacities of individuals. Existential themes such as freedom of choice, existential anxiety, death, and the search for meaning are central to this approach.
Humanistic Psychology: Humanistic psychology emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, personal growth, and self-actualization. Existential-humanistic therapy draws on humanistic principles, such as the belief in the inherent worth and dignity of each person, the importance of self-exploration and self-expression, and the potential for individuals to live fulfilling and authentic lives.
Focus on the Here and Now: Existential-humanistic therapy emphasizes the present moment and encourages clients to explore their immediate experiences, thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. By focusing on the here and now, clients can gain greater insight into their inner world and learn to live more fully in the present moment.
Exploration of Existential Concerns: Existential-humanistic therapy encourages clients to explore existential concerns, such as the meaning of life, freedom and responsibility, death and mortality, isolation and connection, and the nature of authenticity. These existential themes provide a framework for understanding and making sense of the human experience.
Emphasis on Personal Agency and Responsibility: Existential-humanistic therapy emphasizes personal agency and responsibility, empowering clients to take ownership of their lives and choices. Clients are encouraged to explore their values, beliefs, and goals, and to make conscious decisions that align with their authentic selves.
Facilitation of Self-Exploration and Self-Expression: Existential-humanistic therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their inner experiences, express their thoughts and feelings, and deepen their self-understanding. Therapists use a variety of techniques, such as reflective listening, open-ended questioning, and experiential exercises, to facilitate self-exploration and self-expression.
Promotion of Authentic Living: Existential-humanistic therapy aims to help clients live more authentically by aligning their thoughts, feelings, and actions with their true selves. Clients are encouraged to cultivate self-awareness, accept themselves fully, and make choices that reflect their values and priorities.
In conclusion, existential-humanistic therapy offers a holistic and client-centered approach to personal growth and development, empowering individuals to confront existential challenges, find meaning and purpose in life, and live authentically and fully.
About Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness Manhattan
Kimberly Seelbrede, LCSW is a New York State licensed Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner and Couple Therapist with a private practice in New York City, Montana and virtually. As a wellness psychotherapist and holistic consultant, she has receive advanced, extensive training in Trauma Therapy, Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Somatic Experiencing (SE), and Nutrition & Integrative Medicine For Mental Health. She is passionate about honoring the exquisite interplay of the mind-body connection. Kimberly Seelbrede specializes in anxiety & mood disorders, trauma and women’s mental health. She brings over 20 years of counseling, coaching, and healing experience to her holistic practice and transformational work.
In addition to online therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and relationship struggles, Holistic Psychotherapy & Wellness offers a wide variety of online services to fit the needs of busy professionals. New Yorkers often lead fast-paced and complex lives, which makes work-life balance and managing career, family and social obligations a challenge. Psychotherapy and wellness practices provides the support to help clients cultivate resources, resilience and enhanced emotional health, as well as uncover conflicts and obstacles that may interfere with having the life they desire.