TRANSCENDENCE IN RELATIONSHIP | SUMMARY

Many American psychotherapists claim “an existential approach.” This usually includes a courageous nihilism as well as a reactionary atheism. They preach a goal, both therapeutic and human, of fierce independence in the midst of an overwhelming world.

Author Robert Willis embraces a different theory and practice of existential psychotherapy. Recognizing the diversity of views and opposition between so-called “existentialists,” he isolates and explains six characteristics that inform his therapeutic method: “being-with,” “being is becoming,” “being and nothingness,” “freedom and responsibility,” “being and time,” and “being in transcendence.” More than an approach, they shape a unique way of doing psychotherapy.

Out of an understanding of existence embraced by such Christian existentialists as Kierkegaard and Marcel, Merleau-Ponty and Jaspers, Tolstoy and Rilke, Willis practices a therapy at once theistic and optimistic. Through the human capacity of transcendence, he helps his clients relate in new and nourishing ways to themselves, to others, to the world about them, and to their god. A chosen interdependence, not a defensive independence, guides the mutual efforts of client and therapist.

Healing and growth flow from seeing. Expanded vision happens through the power of the imagination. As one can imagine relating differently, chains fall away, ruts become smooth, life energizes, and new and exciting stances develop. This occurs always within the trust and love that make the therapeutic relationship special. For the reader, abundant case studies bring this method of existential psychotherapy into a vibrant and challenging reality.