Existential–Humanistic Therapy

by Schneider, Kirk J.; Krug, Orah T.

• ISBN13: 9781433844744
• ISBN10: 1433844745
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781433844751
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2025-11-18
• Publisher: American Psychological Association
• More Book Details

Summary

This third edition offers an updated primer to the theory, history, research, and practice of existential–humanistic (EH) therapy, which merges existential philosophy with humanistic psychotherapy.
 
EH therapy blends the European heritage of self-inquiry, struggle, and responsibility with the American tradition of spontaneity, optimism, and practicality. This book helps therapists and trainees understand how to help people address critical life questions and attune to how clients relate to themselves and to others, appropriately reflecting back aspects of themselves that are evident but unnoticed.
 
New to this edition are significant updates to research and theory, including the work of Otto Rank, an often-overlooked pioneer in EH therapy, and new concepts like existential unconsciousness and life-enhancing anxiety. The cultivation of presence as a central component of the therapeutic relationship is also emphasized.

Author Biography

Kirk J. Schneider, PhD, is president of the Existential–Humanistic Institute and adjunct faculty at Saybrook University and Teachers College, Columbia University. He is also past president of the American Psychological Association’s Society for Humanistic Psychology (Division 32). Dr. Schneider has published more than 200 articles and chapters and has authored/edited 15 books, including The Psychology of Existence (with Rollo May) and Life-Enhancing Anxiety. He received the Rollo May Award from Division 32 and the Cultural Innovator award from The Living Institute, Toronto, Canada. He delivered keynote addresses at all three World Congresses for Existential Therapy. Visit https://www.youtube.com/@CorpsofDepthHealers-ws9nq and http://www.kirkjschneider.com.
 
Orah T. Krug, PhD, is a licensed psychotherapist and owner of Krug Counseling, Inc., in Oakland, CA. She was also the first clinical director and founding member of the Existential-Humanistic Institute. Dr. Krug has published numerous articles and chapters and coauthored Supervision Essentials of Existential-Humanistic Therapy with Kirk Schneider. She has presented at numerous American Psychological Association conferences, Division 32 conferences, and at the World Congress of Existential Therapy. Dr. Krug recorded training videos and interviews with Victor Yalom, along with other videos, available at https://www.psychotherapy.net/videos. Visit https://www.krugcounseling.com.

Table of Contents

Series Preface
How to Use This Book With APA Psychotherapy Videos
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. History
Chapter 3. Theory
Chapter 4. Therapy Process
Chapter 5. Evaluation
Chapter 6. Future Developments
Chapter 7. Summary
Appendix A. A Close Up of Otto Rank’s Influence on Existential-–Humanistic Psychology
Appendix B. The Existential Unconscious: A Revisioning of Our Hidden Selves
Appendix C. Short-Term Case: Hamilton
Appendix D. Phases of Change in a Typical Long-Term Existential Therapy
Appendix E. Long-Term Case: Claudia
Appendix F. Summary of Experiential Stances of the Existential–Integrative Model
Glossary of Key Terms
Suggested Readings and Resources
References
Index
About the Authors
About the Series Editor