Preface to the Second Edition x

Preface to the First Edition xii

Acknowledgements xv

Introduction 1

Section 1 Paradox 15

Introduction: The Central Role of Paradox in Human Existence 15

1 Ontological Insecurity Revisited: Self‐confidence Versus Anxiety 23

2 Courting Death: Life in the Balance 37

3 The Survival of the Self: Identity, Freedom and Disintegration 58

4 Intimacy and Love: Closeness and Distance Between Self and Other 69

5 Alienation and Adaptation: Being a Stranger in a Foreign Land 77

Section 2 Passion 87

Introduction: the Central Role of Passion in Human Existence 87

6 A Passion for Life: Rediscovering the Intensity of Living 95

7 Truth as a Touchstone: Reality and Meaning as the Bedrock of Living 106

8 Hard‐earned Lessons: a Therapist’s own Journey to Self‐understanding 121

9 Letting the Client’s Life Touch Yours: the Art of Resonance and Presence 143

10 The Moral Compass: How Can Counselling and Therapy Help? 158

Section 3 Existential Psychotherapy 173

Introduction: A New Way of Working 173

11 Widening Horizons: Universal Dimensions of the Human Dilemma 177

12 What is Existential Analysis? Sketch for an Existential Approach 189

13 Philosophy as Therapy: The Ultimate Goal of our Work 200

14 A New Challenge: Towards Transcendence 208

Section 4 Illustrations of Existential Work 223

Introduction: What We Can Learn From Practice 223

15 Marie‐Louise: Letting Go of the Past in Order to Reclaim it 227

16 Vicky: Learning to Be More by Being Less 233

17 Peter: Finding Oneself in Spite of Psychotherapy 241

18 Jerry: Transcending Trauma 251

Conclusions 263

References 266

Index 273