Pragmatic Existential Counseling and Psychotherapy: Intimacy, Intuition, and the Search for Meaning

Author: Jerrold L. Shapiro (Author)

Edition: 1st

Language: English

Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Publication Date: October 1, 2015

ISBN-13: 978-1483369006

This masterful primer on existential therapy is authored by a seasoned theorist, researcher, and practitioner. In “Pragmatic Existential Counseling and Psychotherapy: Intimacy, Intuition and the Search for Meaning,” readers gain insight from an individual with over 50 years of experience in the field—alongside some of its greatest practitioners, notably Viktor Frankl.

Shapiro integrates concepts of positive psychology and strengths-based therapy into existential therapy, offering a new perspective that is positive rather than deficit-oriented. This exciting, all-new title provides a broad and substantive overview suitable for students interested in the field. The book aims to make existential therapy more accessible through a pragmatic, stage-wise model.

Expanding on Frankl’s work, Shapiro focuses on delivery to individuals, groups, men, women, and evidence-based therapy. His approach emphasizes helping clients focus on resistance as a means of achieving therapeutic breakthroughs. The book is filled with vignettes and rich case examples, making it comprehensive, accessible, concrete, pragmatic, and very human in its connection between author and reader.

—Kirk Schneider, Columbia University

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