Existential Therapy for the Challenge of Living On

Death, Illness and Loss
1. Auflage 2026
ISBN: 978-1-041-39732-8
Verlag: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Buch, Englisch, 212 Seiten, Format (B × H): 156 mm x 234 mm

Existential Therapy for the Challenge of Living On: Death, Illness and Loss offers a fresh existential and phenomenological perspective on the universal realities of death, illness, and loss, reframing them as inevitable and ordinary aspects of human existence.

It challenges the expectation of a "perfect life" and explores how we can continue to live meaningfully despite these ever-present challenges. Written in accessible language, the authors draw on their lived experiences and therapeutic work to create a conversational and emergent narrative. Through reflective first-person accounts, they examine the chaos and drama of life, questioning theoretical models of grief and human distress against the evidence of everyday lived experience. The book deconstructs common assumptions and provides pragmatic insights into how existential psychotherapists and counsellors might respond to clients facing these realities—not as technical advice, but as a compassionate exploration of what might truly be helpful. By integrating principles of existential philosophy, the authors promote self-understanding and resilience, offering solidarity to those who suffer while encouraging them to find their voice and move beyond the narrative of victimhood.

This book is an invaluable resource for helping professionals and anyone seeking to navigate the profound challenges of death, illness, and loss with courage and authenticity.

Zielgruppe

Postgraduate, Professional Practice & Development, and Professional Reference

Autoren/Hrsg.

Barnett, Aviva

Wharne, Simon

Fachgebiete

• Sozialwissenschaften Psychologie Psychotherapie / Klinische Psychologie Beratungspsychologie
• Sozialwissenschaften Psychologie Psychologie / Allgemeines & Theorie Psychologische Theorie, Psychoanalyse Humanistische Psychologie

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Introduction

Chapter 1: Theoretic Models of Grief – Key Concepts

Chapter 2: Theoretic Models of Grief – In the Cultural Context of Lived Experience

Chapter 3: Theoretic Models of Grief – Elisabeth Kübler-Ross’ Stages of Grief Denial

Chapter 4: Theoretic Models of Grief – William Worden, John Bowlby, Lois Tonkin and David Kessler

Chapter 5: Theoretic Models of Grief – Continuing Bonds Grief System

Chapter 6: Theoretic Models of Grief – Following Irvin Yalom, Victor Frankl and other Existential Theorists

Chapter 7: Theoretic Models of Grief – The four dimensions of existence in relation to death, illness and loss

Conclusion

Über Autor(innen)

Aviva Keren Barnett is an existential psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, international lecturer, and published author, specialising in illness, anticipatory grief, and the multifaceted forms of loss.

Dr Simon Wharne is a Counselling Psychologist, Existential Psychotherapist, educator and supervisor. Working in New Zealand, following a career in the NHS. Has written on mental health services, research methodologies, resilience and cross-cultural awareness.