Counselling Theories: An Existential Approach for Joel's Case

Running Head: COUNSELLING THEORIES
COUNSELLING THEORIES
Name of University:
Name of Student:
Authors Note:

2COUNSELLING THEORIES
Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................4
Key Principles of the Existential Approach.....................................................................................4
Goals of the approach......................................................................................................................5
My role as the counselor..................................................................................................................6
Explanation of Joel’s case in the light of this approach..................................................................8
Intervention methods to be adopted.................................................................................................9

3COUNSELLING THEORIES
Introduction
The present case is about Joel who is 36 years old and is unsatisfied with his life, He
grew up with his father after his mother passed away. His father was a good man but had anger,
alcohol and coping with loss issues. Joel was a rebel in his teenage, gave a hard time to his
father, and worked hard to get into a university as a means to escape from him. He is presently
working successfully in a corporate law firm, is married to Anna and has a one year old boy
named Oliver. His family lives comfortably under his income and they have been planning
another child. Despite these positive events, Joel feels unhappy. He feels frustrated and although
he loves his family, he feels that the pressure of parenthood is too much for him. He is constantly
worried about himself being a good father and a good husband. He is disappointed in himself
because he feels that he does not have adequate control over his life. He has therefore come for
counseling sessions as he feels unhappy and dissatisfied with himself and the direction towards
which his life is moving. According to me, the existential therapy needs to be adopted to deal
with Joel’s situation appropriately.
Key Principles of the Existential Approach
The existential therapy is an exceptional kind of psychotherapy, which explores the
difficulties faced in the daily life from a philosophical point of view rather than using fixed
techniques. The therapists focus on the human beings as a whole; encourage people to take
complete responsibility for the attainment of any form of success in their life (Corey, 2013). The
existential theory emphasizes on human experiences, and therefore will focus on Joel rather that
the symptoms that he faces. The issues that are being faced by Joel will be viewed as a result of
him being unable to make authentic, self-directed and meaningful choices about the way he