Existential Perspectives on Relationship Therapy

by van Deurzen, Emmy; Iacovou, Susan

• ISBN13: 9780230362093
• ISBN10: 0230362095
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2013-12-13
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Summary

Human beings live in constant battle with issues that are fundamental to their existence. Whether it is a fear of death or problems with intimacy, learning to live with these issues whilst loving another can be a whirlwind of challenges and disappointments. Couples who seek relationship therapy are looking for a way to reconnect with one another and understand the existential predicaments that they each face.

In this inspiring new book, Emmy van Deurzen and Susan Iacovou have brought together world renowned therapists to demonstrate how existential theories can improve therapeutic practice. Each contributor explores their own unique existential approach to relationship therapy, drawing on the great thinkers that have informed their work - from Socrates to Sartre - and revealing some of their most profound practice with their clients.

Whether you are a student, trainee, or experienced counsellor, you will find this a ground-breaking book which will enrich and transform your work with relationships.

Author Biography

Emmy Van Deurzen is Director of the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling and Founder of Regents College School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, UK. She is Professor of Psychotherapy at Schiller International University, Honorary Professor at University of Sheffield and also Visiting Professor at Middlesex University. Her publications include Existential Psychotherapy and Counselling in Practice 2e, Existential Perspectives on Human Issues (co-edited) and Psychotherapy and the Quest for Happiness.

Susan Iacovou is an existential therapist and counselling psychologist in private practice. She has published widely and has a particular interest in existential therapy with couples and families. Susan teaches on a range of psychotherapy Masters courses and was a Research Associate on the European Funded Continuing Education in Psychotherapy Project, which was designed to improve access to quality psychotherapy training across Europe.

Table of Contents

Introduction
1. To Live and Love: Existential Parameters of Relationship Therapy; Emmy van Deurzen and Susan Iacovou
PART I: THE ISSUES COUPLES AND FAMILIES BRING TO THERAPY
2. The Challenge of Otherness: Values, Beliefs and Worldviews Between Conflict and Dialogue; Dmitry Leontiev
3. Fear of Intimacy; Naomi Stadlen
4. Dealing with Change, Choice and Loss; Jacky Lewis
5. Communication with 'The Other'; Dr. Paul Wong and Dr. Lilian Wong
6. Sexuality and Embodiment in Relationships; Meg Barker and Darren Langdridge
7. Being Yourself While Being Part of a Couple: Bad Faith and the Couples' Dilemma; Betty Cannon and Reed Lindberg
8. Encountering Meaninglessness and Absurdity in Existential Relationship Therapy; Donna Savery
9. When Death Enters the Relationship; Karen Weixel-Dixon
PART II: APPLIED EXISTENTIAL RELATIONSHIP THERAPY
10. Realms of Responsibility – The Ethical Challenge; Alison Strasser and Maria Clark
11. Children and Relationship Therapy; Chris Scalzo
12. Relationship Therapy with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Trans Clients; Darren Langdridge and Meg Barker
13. Working with Partners with Asperger Syndrome; Digby Tantam and Emmy van Deurzen
14. The Challenges of Blended Families; Emmy van Deurzen and Susan Iacovou
15. Relationship Trauma, Violence and Abuse; Martin Adams and Mark Jepson
16. Couples and Addiction; Simon Du Plock
17. Working with cultural or racial diversity in relationships; Golnar Bayat and Jyoti Nanda
18. Sketching Out a Model of Existential Relationship Therapy; Emmy van Deurzen and Susan Iacovou
Conclusions; Emmy van Deurzen and Susan Iacovou
References
Glossary