Forum Program (Past)

2009

 

 

 

 

 

14 November 2009

Goethe & Active Phenomenology

Presenter: Louise Pilion

 

Johan Wolfgang von Goethe (1749 – 1832) is usually known as the author of ‘Faust’ and much less know for his scientific works. In this forum we explored certain aspects of Goethe’s phenomenological method of investigation where he takes his way of looking at ‘things’ from the outer world without forcing any particular concepts upon it. By looking at the thing in itself, this approach guides us behind, to get closer to the essence.

10 October 2009

Phenomenological Aspects of Gestalt

Presenter: Peter Harris

In this presententation Peter explored Gestalt Psyhcotherapy and its similarities and differences with Existential Practice.  In particular, he discussed phenomenoloical observations, dialogical processes from a Gestalt perspective, the use of experiment with a Gestalt framework and the application of Field Theory. Peter Harris is a practicing Gestalt Psychotherapist and generalist counsellor with an Existential background.

15 August 2009

Intoxication or Self-Transcendence - Frank's contribution to dealing with alcohol and other drug use

Presenter: Dr Christopher Wurm

People give a range of reasons for drinking - and for stopping or cutting down. While sometimes alcohol use is seen as "self-medication" to relieve internal distress, many people who have stopped drinking say they did it for the sake of work, sport, family or religious reasons - all of which fit with Frankl's concept of "self-transcendence." The dominant ‘bio-psycho-social model’, despite being holistic, does not address freedom, motivation or spirituality, and some common terms and ways of working offend or alienate drug-takers, indirectly perpetuating their problems. Christopher Wurm arguef for a reconsideration of the concept of ‘addiction’.

28 March 2009

Am I a Responsible Therapist?

Presenter:  Marc Bloom

Given its ontological nature, ‘responsibility’ assumes a fundamental position within existentialism, and within existential therapy. Responsibility acquires added significance within existential therapy because it is deeply interwoven within the approach’s key philosophical assumptions. Therefore its significance both includes, as well as transcends, ethical accountability ‘Being-responsible’ places existential practitioners in paradox, and the various reasons for this will be explored. Participants were invited to reflect on the assumptions which they hold about themselves as responsible therapists, and some case examples were considered.

14 February 2009

The Existential Group

Presenter: Adam McLean

Is there a place in group therapy for raising awareness of existential themes? Irvin Yalom is well known for both his interpersonal group therapy model and for his book on existential therapy. Although his approach to group therapy is centred on the interconnectedness of the relationships, Yalom does not specifically bring existential themes into his group work. Adam Mclean discussed how a group may benefit from a more integrated perspective.

 

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