There are many writers and teachers who inspire my work and one such individual is Dr. Irvin Yalom.  He is an American psychiatrist who developed Existential Psychotherapy.  Dr. Yalom’s writings are personable and at times quite humourous as he illustrates the dance of therapy through case anecdotes in The Gift of Therapy.

Existential therapy is highly relevant to many of my clients who are coping with unexpected transitions and life challenges often in relation to their health.  When we are unexpectedly faced with a crisis, we often contend with existential questions and distress.  This can include a deep awareness of the fragility of life, questions around our meaning and purpose, and fear of the ultimate separation that will occur for each of us in death.

Dr. Yalom’s writings and his therapeutic model encourage us to confront these fears around the nature of human life.  When we are able to do so, often with the guided assistance, we are in a better position to accept a new situation and then take steps to live whole-heartedly.