Paradox and Passion in Psychotherapy , second edition, is a fully updated edition of a classic guide to existential psychotherapy by one of its leading practitioner. Examines the personal and subjective dimensions of psychotherapy in a fresh and bold manner Offers practical and common-sense approaches to tackling sensitive issues when working with clients with an emphasis on transparency and authenticity Weaves together concepts of existential psychotherapy with case studies and the author’s experiential observations in a seamless narrative Covers a wide range of intimate existential issues, including loneliness, survival, self-understanding, love, and passion

Paradox and Passion in Psychotherapy , second edition, is a fully updated edition of a classic guide to existential psychotherapy by one of its leading practitioner. Examines the personal and subjective dimensions of psychotherapy in a fresh and bold manner Offers practical and common-sense approaches to tackling sensitive issues when working with clients with an emphasis on transparency and authenticity Weaves together concepts of existential psychotherapy with case studies and the author’s experiential observations in a seamless narrative Covers a wide range of intimate existential issues, including loneliness, survival, self-understanding, love, and passion

Paradox and Passion in Psychotherapy an existential approach to therapy and counselling Emmy van Deurzen Schiller International University, London, UK This book confronts the taboo of the psychotherapist's personal history and emotions being involved in the therapeutic process. Emmy van Deurzen shows that therapists can draw on the full richness of their own experience in order to be truly credible and inspiring mentors to their clients. Paradox and dilemmas in human life-such as loneliness versus social integration, safety versus adventure, and confidence versus humility-are discussed clearly and directly, and related to a broad spectrum of questions that psychotherapists and their clients would do well to ask themselves. Throughout the book the author reveals her personal struggles with the same predicaments that her clients seek to understand and resolve. This process of disclosure, and the weaving of vivid client cases and issues together with more general philosophical issues, make this a practical and inspiring book that demonstrates the reality and passion of psychotherapy. "Passion and Paradox will become a classic celebration of the sheer power of existential thinking, living, being, and doing. Existentialism comes to bristling life as you walk with Professor van Deurzen through the world of psychotherapy, the world of psychotherapy professionalism, and the deeply personal world of the person who is a psychotherapist." Alvin R. Mahrer, PhD, author of The Complete Guide to Experiential Psychotherapy "Of the vast number of books written on psychotherapy this is one of the very few that are really worth reading. Emmy van Deurzen has the essential attributes of the truly gifted psychotherapist: experience, intelligence, cultural breadth and-above all-the courage to strive after truth. There is much to be learned about psychotherapy and psychotherapists from what she has to say." David Smail, Nottingham, UK

This Third Edition of a seminal text reflects new developments with counseling psychology. It covers areas such as neuroscience, narrative approaches and post-modernist thinking. The six sections include tradition, challenge and change in counseling psychology, difference and discrimination, and professional and ethical issues. Special attention has been paid to the research evidence, current issues and debates, theoretical and philosophical underpinnings, political and resource issues, and illustrative case material.

Offering a concrete framework and practical methods for working from an existential perspective, this book has as its core the belief that many of our problems arise from the essential paradoxes of human existence, rather than personal pathology.

This book provides an in-depth introduction to existential psychotherapy. Presenting a philosophical alternative to other forms of psychological treatment, it emphasises the problems of living and the human dilemmas that are often neglected by practitioners who focus on personal psychopathology. Emmy van Deurzen defines the philosophical ideas that underpin existential psychotherapy, summarising the contributions made by Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger and Sartre among others. She proposes a systemic and practical method of existential psychotherapy, illustrated with detailed case material. This expanded and updated second edition includes new chapters on the contributions of Max Scheler, Albert Camus, Gabriel Marcel and Emmanuel Levinas, as well as on feminist contributors such as Simone de Beauvoir and Hannah Arendt. In addition a new extended case discussion illustrates the approach in practice. Everyday Mysteries offers a fresh perspective for anyone training in psychotherapy, counselling, psychology or psychiatry. Those already established in practice will find this a stimulating source of ideas about everyday life and the mysteries of human experience, which will throw new light on old issues.

"A passionate and thought-provoking book, particularly in our present economic climate" - Therapy Today, May 2009 "A vibrant, passionate, and hugely readable text which goes to the heart of the therapeutic project: how to help clients lead fuller and more meaningful lives" - Mick Cooper, Professor of Counselling at University of Strathclyde The unspoken yearning that brings people to therapy is often that of a desperate desire for happiness. Should therapists ignore this desire, interpret it or challenge it? And what does our preoccupation with happiness tell us about contemporary culture and the role of the therapist? In this book, Emmy van Deurzen addresses the taboo subject of the moral role of psychotherapists and counsellors. Asking when and why we decided that the aim of life is to be happy, she poses searching questions about the meaning of life. Psychotherap y and the Quest for Happiness seeks to define what a good life consists of and how therapists might help their clients to live well rather than just in search of happiness. This text makes stimulating reading for all trainee and practising counsellors and psychotherapists, especially those interested in the existential approach. Emmy van Deurzen is Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of Conflict and Reconciliation, and honorary Professor at the School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield