Description
Book SynopsisThis book focuses on the emergence of contextual existential theory and practice from more traditional existential psychology. Farley addresses the diversity of humankind and the need to be culturally aware as we attempt to address the dilemmas that present themselves to us in our daily lives.
Trade ReviewThe process oriented nature of this book, Farley's clear and succinct writing style, and his creativity as a practitioner make this book extremely approachable. Most of all, it is a clarion call to live mindfully and therefore creatively and avoid the traps of dualistic thinking. * Art Therapy: Journal Of The American Art Therapy Association *
Concise and accessible, this useful book presents the theory of contextual existentialism, weaving classic existential thought principles of humanitic psychology and the here-and-now approaches of phenomenology and Zen Buddhist practice. It then draws on case examples to show how contextual existentialism can come alive in the therapy room. The book includes a structure for assessment and diagnosis that avoids freezing clients in time and lays a foundation that allows clinicians to see their clients with fresh eyes at each therapy session. It also provides practical instructions and guidance for working with one's intuitive sense while sitting with clients. It's an excellent resource for clinicians who want to work in the present tense. -- Anne Ihnen, MA LMHC, Psychotherapist; co-author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Mindfulness
Table of ContentsChapter 1 I: Contextual Existentialism Chapter 2 II: The Nature of Paradox Chapter 3 III: The Contextual Development of the Individual Chapter 4 IV: The Use of Intuition Chapter 5 V: Contextual Existential Assessment Chapter 6 VI: Diagnosis, the DSM, and Language Chapter 7 VII: Treating the Whole Person Chapter 8 VIII: Working with Couples Chapter 9 Afterward (and AfterWords)
