Nowadays, Existential thought is considered to be a practical approach among psychologists and
counsellors . Nevertheless, what seems to be ignored is paying thoughtful attention to all dimensions of Existential
thought which is an essential matter among counsellors and psychologists. Moreover, some issues in Existential
thought such as time are disregarded among marital counsellors as well as individual counsellors. The goal of this
article is to allocate exhausting existential time to benefit marital counsellors. Findings show that existential time has
full potential to be applied for marital counselling. Furthermore, review of the related literature demonstrates that
there is not enough experimental and descriptive research to evaluate the effect of existential time on matrimony.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Existentialism
2.1. What is Existential Thought?
2.1. Existential Time
2.3. Existential World
3. Existential Counselling
4. The Role of Existential Time in Existential Counselling
5. Function of Existential Time in Existential Marital Counselling
6. Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
This article aims to investigate the role of existential time as a fundamental element in both individual and marital counselling. It explores how a deep understanding of past, present, and future—as conceptualized within existential thought—can help couples navigate relationship difficulties, discover meaning, and actualize their potentials.
- Application of existential philosophy to marital therapy
- The triad of existential time: Past, Present, and Future
- The relationship between existential dimensions and human responsibility
- Overcoming the "existential vacuum" in marriage through meaning-making
- The importance of re-collection and future-oriented decision making
Excerpt from the Book
2.1. Existential Time
Believing in human abilities, existential philosophers put great emphasis on existential time. Existential time like physical time has a present, past and future which is not distinct from human dimensions. Indeed, a human being, in the course of his life, will achieve or fail; in this sense, time is a reciprocal element from an Existential thought (Strasser & Strasser, 1997; Straus, 1967; Weixel-Dixon & Strasser, 2005). It means that human being, as a temporal individual is constituted by future possibilities and past facilities leading to some limitations and abilities for him or her. Furthermore, from Existential thought, in one time, an individual lives in three times ; “ by memory has brought his past with him into the present and by anticipation and imagination he has already laid hold on his future and projects himself into it’’ (Macquarrie, 1973, p. 156) .
From Existential thought, paying close attention to three times in one time is an exceptional human ability. However, a human being, at the extreme end of the scale, may come to now-centered which is the main characteristic of the thing or animal. Existential counsellors following existential philosophers try best to guide others to self-awareness of human conditions, meaning that, past and future are real concepts and we ,as human beings, allow them to live in the present.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the significance of existential thought in therapy and introduces the core concept of existential time as an underutilized tool in marital counselling.
2. Existentialism: Defines existential thought and its core dimensions, explaining how the concepts of the "existential world" and "existential time" influence human freedom and choice.
3. Existential Counselling: Explains the origins of existential counselling and its goal of helping individuals discover authentic existence and take responsibility for their lives.
4. The Role of Existential Time in Existential Counselling: Details the specific responsibilities associated with the past, present, and future, and how they relate to the "Ought," "Can," and "Must" dimensions of the human world.
5. Function of Existential Time in Existential Marital Counselling: Demonstrates how counsellors can facilitate meaning-making for couples by addressing their past limitations and present potentials through new interpretations.
6. Conclusion: Summarizes the necessity of incorporating existential time into therapy and calls for more empirical research to support its effectiveness.
Keywords
Existential thought, existential time, marital counselling, meaning of life, responsibility, existence, existential world, logotherapy, Daseinsanalysis, couple therapy, human potential, existential vacuum, re-collection, freedom, intentionality.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this article?
The article focuses on applying the existential perspective of "time"—comprising past, present, and future—as a practical tool within marital and individual counselling.
What are the central themes discussed?
The main themes include human responsibility, the discovery of meaning within marriage, the dimensions of the "existential world," and how these concepts guide therapeutic interventions.
What is the main objective of the research?
The objective is to provide a framework for how existential time can be utilized by counsellors to help spouses overcome marital difficulties and find renewed purpose in their relationship.
Which scientific approach is utilized?
The article utilizes an existential philosophical and psychological framework, drawing upon theories from figures such as Viktor Frankl and various existential counselling approaches.
What topics are covered in the main section of the paper?
The main section covers the definition of existential thought, the three dimensions of the existential world, the role of temporal awareness in therapy, and specific strategies for couples to address their past and future.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Existential thought, existential time, marital counselling, meaning of life, responsibility, and the existential world.
How does the author define the "existential vacuum"?
The "existential vacuum" is described as a state where a sense of meaning and purpose in life is frustrated or ignored, often leading to symptoms like depression and anxiety.
Why is "re-collection" considered important for couples?
Re-collection allows couples to remember and recover forgotten meanings deposited in their shared past, providing them with the energy and clarity needed to navigate their present and future.
What does the "Must" dimension represent in the context of the past?
The "Must" dimension refers to the reality of the past; it signifies that the past is fixed and cannot be changed, requiring individuals to honor it and accept it to form a better future.
- Citation du texte
- Seyed Mohammad Kalantarkousheh (Auteur), Siti Aishah Hassan (Auteur), Rusnani Abdul Kadir (Auteur), Mansor Abu Talib (Auteur), 2011, Sparkle of Existential Time as a Sanctuary in Marital Counselling, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/182590
