Can existential psychotherapy be good news? Reflections on existential psychotherapy from a Christian perspective

Abstract

One of the major difficulties in advocating a positive approach to therapeutic work is that most candidates for psychotherapy are preoccupied with the negative or painful aspects of their lives. However, it is argued that positive clinical practice can be derived from the therapist recognizing a shared human predicament with the client, a recognition which requires a degree of honesty on the part of the therapist. This frank self-reflection is much in evidence in the writings of the existential atheists, largely due to their assertion that there is no observing deity who may judge the faults and weaknesses of human beings. Believers in a theistic God, however, may be more cautious in acknowledging sources of shame or guilt in themselves out of fear of divine disapproval. From a Christian perspective, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ justify human existence and provide evidence of God's love. Acceptance of this can allow the Christian psychotherapist to be cognizant of potential shortcomings and thereby experience a strong identification with the challenges of living presented by the client. This can enable a positive and non-pathologizing relationship with clients of any religious or ideological persuasion.