Laura Barnett (ed): When Death Enters the Therapeutic Space: Existential Perspectives in Psychotherapy and Counselling

Excerpt

When Death Enters the Therapeutic Space: Existential Perspectives in Psychotherapy and Counselling is a compilation of reflections on conducting psychotherapy when death is at the heart of the therapeutic work. The book, which is edited by Laura Barnett, contains 13 chapters written by contributors who are experienced clinicians. An overview of existential theory is initially presented. Subsequent chapters focus on a variety of settings and clients in which death is a principal concern including cancer, HIV, and other intensive care patients, bombing survivors, refugees, suicidal clients, and bereaved individuals. Existential theory is woven throughout the book by including brief theoretical descriptions prior to the beginning of each new chapter that clarify a facet of existential philosophy. In addition, authors incorporate an existential perspective and assorted practical applications when describing clinical experiences. The final chapter of the book is a dialogue between three theorists who heavily influenced existential practice, Martin Buber, Emmanuel Levinas, and Carl Rogers. …