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“Existential Therapy - An Introduction”

The Turner Centre is delighted to welcome John Pollard to present an overview of the existential approach to the talking therapies by introducing the main themes of existential philosophy and their application to therapy.

During the workshop he will cover the following 'classic' existential concerns:

• Freedom and Responsibility
• Anxiety
• Meaning and Meaninglessness
• Death
• Isolation and Being-with-Others
• Authenticity and Inauthenticity

The workshop will also cover some of the controversies of the approach.

Although Existential Therapy is based on a sometimes difficult and complex philosophy, it is also known as a 'philosophy of action' and hence its practicality will be demonstrated throughout the workshop.

John Pollard is an existential counsellor and has been practising existential therapy for 15 years. On studying philosophy at Essex University he was profoundly influenced by the ideas of Heidegger, Nietzsche and Sartre in particular. In 2001 he was invited to teach at the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in London by Emmy van Deurzen and soon afterwards was asked to contribute a chapter on the same subject, 'Existential Authenticity', for 'Existential Perspectives on Human Issues: A Handbook for Therapeutic Practice' (Emmy van Deurzen and Claire Arnold-Baker, 2005).

John views the nature of therapy as being as much about philosophy as it is psychology. His main interests include the idea of therapy as 'ethical dialogue', where the therapist and client can be seen as being involved in a search for the 'good life', manifested in therapy's questioning outlook on life and the ongoing and ever present dilemmas of freedom, responsibility, meaning and values.

Fee £50

Send cheque (payable to The Turner Centre) c/o The Administrator, The Turner Centre, 41a Head Street Colchester CO1 1NH. 01206 544458. Refreshments will be provided.