Existential Therapies First Edition

overall, the presentation of the existential modes of therapy and philosophical background informing these therapies is clear, although some chapters are more focused and organized than others (ex: meaning centered therapy is well organized by theme and influential figures-v- the chapter on humanistic approaches). I would have liked more time and depth, along with clarity, spent on the later chapter, where Cooper discusses the similarities and differences between the existential approaches. This would have firmly brought home the previous delineation of each therapy mode. The last two chapters feel a bit rushed.

This little book is an excellent summary of existential psychotherapy. It begins with a brief and clear summary of existential philosophy, then reviews the major sub-schools of existential psychotherapy. The book discusses some historical developments within existential psychotherapy that were strangely lacking from my graduate school text, but its major value is bringing the reader almost up to date with what is happening in this field. The book is well written and pleasantly free of some of the prejudices that occasionally arise in existential circles against spiritual and religious ideas. My only real problem with the book is its cost: Surprisingly expensive for such a short book. Even so, it is well worth the read for psychotherapists who want to deal with the deeper issues with which their patients struggle.

I thought this book provided a great introduction to the many schools of thought in the existential approaches to therapy. As a clinical psychology doctoral student orientating in existential psychology, I have read many other books on this topic and have found them filled with jargon and often difficult to understand. Cooper's discussion about the different existential therapies was a thorough, understandable, and quick to read. Additionally, Cooper provided strengths and criticisms of each of the approaches discussed providing a three dimensional look into the approach and the theorists involved in the existential theories of psychotherapy. I would recommend this book for those who are just beginning to explore the existential theoretical orientation as well as advanced therapy or psychology students.

A great read on a subject that other writers seem to get a little overblown with.

This is a very through and well thought out review of the current existential therapies. The author sought out current practitioners of each school to give not only a historical perspective, but a view of the current thinking. The book is rich with references. An excellent introduction to existential therapies as they are practices in the United Kingdom, the continent of Europe, and in the United States.

So far this book has been very good. I'm reading it for a class, and it's interesting and relatively engaging (esp considering it is a textbook!). It's too bad such a small book has to be so expensive though.

These books did meet my expectations.

thank you

The book provides a useful overview of existential philosophy and how it has influenced various approaches to doing psychotherapy. Although some of the material is quite difficult, Mick Cooper writes about the tricky material in an accessible way and does his best to make it comprehensible. (There are even some jokes.)Following the theoretical / historical tour, Cooper provides worked examples of several varieties of existential therapy using a fictionalised case study. Some of these chapters I found easier to follow / more successful than others. But I got something useful from every chapter.Having begun the book with a fairly underdeveloped understanding of what was distinctive about existential therapy as opposed to other approaches, I finished it with a fairly strong sense of that. And also – this is a virtue of the book not a flaw – I gained a sense of how much diversity there is within the broad frame of "existential therapy".If you are interested in the theory behind existential approaches and a detailed look at differences between them, this is a great book. If you are mainly looking for something practical because you want to integrate certain existential approaches / techniques in your work, then there are other books that would be better suited to that.

This is an accessible superbly written book for those starting on their existentialist journey in therapeutic practice or trying to get to grips with the subject. It's explained clearly with history of key figures, concepts and practice. Excellent, really helped with my presentation where other books on same subject were more appropriate once one has a rudimentary grasp.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and Mick Cooper writes in a really accessible way. Some of the book needed a lot of concentration from me to try and understand the concepts he looked at, but this did not detract from my enjoyment.I found the 'further reading' section at the end of each chapter to be really useful and have since ordered further books from some of the lists.I have certainly 'got the bug' for learning more about Existential Therapy and for trying to incorporate it into my practice eventually (I am on the final year of my Counselling Diploma course).I think it's certainly a book to read if you're unsure and curious about the Existential approach and maybe, like me, it will fuel your desire to learn more.

As a trainee counsellor, this was by far the best (and only, as far as I know) book for exploring the different types existential therapies. It really helped me to decided upon my own existential approach.

A very clear and concise overview of the varieties of existential therapy. A must for anyone studying or practicing this particular modality of therapy, and a good introduction for practitioners of other models.