Existential Counseling and Therapy
The existential dimension / phase of development
Existential therapy is a counseling approach which encourages a maturity that has reconciled itself to the basic facts of our existence.
Stripped of beliefs and dogma, it seems that we are thrown into a world of apparent meaninglessness. Meaning and values seem not inherent to existence, but rather self-created, mutually agreed conventions, but nevertheless arbitrary.
Throughout our short lives, inwardly we are alone, isolated from others. Within the life situations which limit us, we are free to do whatever we will. Yet we are personally responsible for our actions and our own existence.
Still each of us is unique, and we are called to take our place in existence, completely ourselves, authentically. And at the end of our journey, there is death.
Birth, death, aloneness, meaninglessness, uniqueness, freedom, and personal responsibility are indeed existential facts. Although from my own experience and as a counselor / therapist, I affirm there is more to existence than only these facts.
Nevertheless encountering and reconciling ourselves to the existential dimension of life experience is a necessary phase of development. Unfortunately, many persons get stuck in this developmental phase, unable to reconcile themselves, for example, with aloneness, freedom, or death. Much anguish and anxiousness then result.
My Portland existential therapy, counseling practice
My work supports you in your exploration and integration the existential dimension of your life experience. I meet you with unconditional acceptance, and encourage your engagement of your inner life, your subjectivity from within which you relate to your existence and the inevitability of life's giveness. Complementing my more typical counseling skills is my training in Focusing, a very special way of learning to listen to your own inner Self.
Additionaly, a special focus of my existential practice is personal authenticiy: how we become our very own unique, individual selves. For more information about the different topics associated with my Porltand, Oregon authenticity counseling, please see my discussionn of authenticity training, "Focusing", and my blog - The Personal Authenticity Project.
Consider a free consultation
I believe that it is important that you have the opportunity to explore your interest in counseling at no cost to you. Therefore I offer prospective clients the opportunity to meet with me for a 50-minute complimentary consultation.
The easiest way to arrange a consultation or counseling session is to use this "Online Appointment Booking" link. There you can book your appointment at a day and time of your convenience. Of course this can be done by phone (503.226.2771) or email, but given my busy practice, I may not reply to you in a timely manner.
Directions and maps to my near-downtown office may be found using this "Portland office location" link.
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