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Week 9 Assignment – Applications of Theory: Existential Theory
COUN5239 – Theories for the Counseling Profession
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Applications of Theory: Existential Theory
Existential theory is a unique and meaningful approach within the field of counseling. This
theoretical approach focuses on helping individuals confront questions surrounding freedom,
meaning, responsibility and morality. Developed by Viktor Frank, Irvin Yalom and other
Influential figures, this theory emphasized the importance of living life in an authentic way
despite challenges we face in life. This paper will focus on providing a comprehensive
, understanding of existential theory and its core concepts, principles and assumptions. This paper
will also explore how this approach aligns with personal philosophies, evaluate supporting
research and to demonstrate this theory and apply it to a counseling case.
Theoretical Analysis: Existential Theory
Viktor Frankl is considered to be the creator of existential theory. Fankl’s theory was
influenced based on his own experiences in the Nazi death camps (Corey, 2024). Existential
theory focuses on fundamental concepts such as responsibility, authenticity, isolation, and a
search for meaning of life (Van Deurzen, 2019). This approach explores the thought that
individuals are free to make choices but must accept the responsibilities that come with the
choices we make whether they have a negative or positive impact on our lives (Cooper, 2016).
One key principle of this theoretical approach is that it emphasizes that anxiety is natural and
hard to escape in life when individuals are faced with uncertainty or confronted with questions
about their own lives. Existential therapists use anxiety as an advantage for sessions by helping
their client confront problems that they have been avoiding and then using it to encourage
Week 9 Assignment – Applications of Theory: Existential Theory
COUN5239 – Theories for the Counseling Profession
2
Applications of Theory: Existential Theory
Existential theory is a unique and meaningful approach within the field of counseling. This
theoretical approach focuses on helping individuals confront questions surrounding freedom,
meaning, responsibility and morality. Developed by Viktor Frank, Irvin Yalom and other
Influential figures, this theory emphasized the importance of living life in an authentic way
despite challenges we face in life. This paper will focus on providing a comprehensive
, understanding of existential theory and its core concepts, principles and assumptions. This paper
will also explore how this approach aligns with personal philosophies, evaluate supporting
research and to demonstrate this theory and apply it to a counseling case.
Theoretical Analysis: Existential Theory
Viktor Frankl is considered to be the creator of existential theory. Fankl’s theory was
influenced based on his own experiences in the Nazi death camps (Corey, 2024). Existential
theory focuses on fundamental concepts such as responsibility, authenticity, isolation, and a
search for meaning of life (Van Deurzen, 2019). This approach explores the thought that
individuals are free to make choices but must accept the responsibilities that come with the
choices we make whether they have a negative or positive impact on our lives (Cooper, 2016).
One key principle of this theoretical approach is that it emphasizes that anxiety is natural and
hard to escape in life when individuals are faced with uncertainty or confronted with questions
about their own lives. Existential therapists use anxiety as an advantage for sessions by helping
their client confront problems that they have been avoiding and then using it to encourage
