THE FUTURE OF EXISTENTIAL HUMANISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY

The value and vitality of a psychotherapy depends on its ability to help those it serves to confront and deal with the sources of pain and dissatisfaction and the obstacles to a full and satisfying life. Looking forward, we propose that the existential -humanistic orientation gives promise of being particularly valuable in aiding a probable increase in clients complaining of feelings of emptiness and lack of personal meaning. Paradoxically, short-term, problem-centered treatment services offered by managed health care agencies will probably ultimately stimulate a desire for more life-changing therapy. The benefits and difficulties of articulating the existential-humanistic approach with other perspectives are discussed in this article.