Life is never going to be easy. Anyone who tells you otherwise, is most probably enduring rather than living life himself, and simply masking it tremendously well. And kudos to him. It means he has managed to reach a level of awareness, where he is able to acknowledge the – possible – plight of his life, but still rise above it with a daily façade.
However, that is not the way for anyone to live life. Life is beautiful, exciting, surprising, exhilarating and finite. That last word should not scare you. On the contrary, it should spare you on. Provide you with that extra “fire in your belly”, to “give Life a Real Go”. That may still though mean, we have to make moves and chase our life possibilities by not doing what we were always told to do. Breaking the norm, trying things, learning, adjusting and changing is difficult. And change is something we all shy away from, inhibiting our potential opportunities.
On the flip side, one may advocate life is also inherently difficult, stressful, frustrating and highly unrewarding. So why try even harder. Why exhaust yourself when things are already evidently tough get through daily. And this is where existential coaching comes in allowing you to see life from a different perspective. Something,. not may can do..or at least, not often.
Existential Coaching where Coaching and Psychotherapy meet!
This is a sentence often heard in the industry, especially in business coaching and motivational sessions. A sentence also often posed to me as a Coach by many of my current and past clients.
Existential coaching effectively places it focus on the search for meaning within a limited lifetime, and the relationship responsibility and freedom have. It focuses on clarifying a person’s views on Existence — life and living.
Nonetheless, it is first important to decipher the difference between Coaching and Psychotherapy, as many assume them to be the same thing. However there are stark differences between the two, so let’s have a brief look at them below.
COACHING & PSYCHOTHERAPY
The greatest difference between Traditional Psychotherapy and the now, not so unconventional Coaching is where the emphasis is placed when dealing with issues or problems faced.
Psychotherapy tends to dwelve deeper into ones psyche seeking to identify the underlying cause to issues and uproot the issue, unlike coaching which places more attention on the future and how similar obstacles can be surpassed.
Existential coaching is the area between coaching and therapy, tat allows individuals to spend time on deeper self-exploration than other forms of coaching do. Rather than dwelling on the past (without however ignoring it), it
EXISTENTIAL THERAPY
Existential coaching as a science, grew through the practice and application of existential therapy, which focuses on the human condition as a whole. The approach is informed by existential thinkers such as Kierkegaard, De Beauvoir, Sartre and Fanon, and is the only form of psychotherapy based in philosophy.
It would be very difficult for one to put an exact title or definition on existential coaching. That is not due to its lack of success, but due to the nature of its application relying heavily on its therapists approach. In simple terms, the work of existentialists looks at what it means for one to be an individual, how we can use our inner wisdom to resolve issues, and how we can view our struggles as inherently human rather than as dysfunction or defect.
Existential coaching is tremendously flexible versatile, hence allowing for it to be used at all times, and not only in times of need. As a matter of fact, early intervention with an existential awareness could help prevent those “times in need” by being proactive and aware of potential obstacles. It is equally however important that clients must be ready to reflect, accept, explore and face challenges, rather than looking for a quick solution.
Whether it is a divorce, financial issues, retirement, redundancy, relocation, issues of identity or leadership, existential work can provide a kind of philosophical focus that focuses to the core of the matter in a meaningful way. Longer term work can also benefits our clients in thinking philosophically about their lives in general, and allowing them to take ownership of their journey whilst enjoying every bit of the trip.
WHAT IS THE GOAL?
Emmy Van Deurzen, a Dutch philosopher, psychologist and existential therapist who is an author and a human rights activist once said:
“The aim of existential counselling is to gain mastery over the art of living, so that life’s challenges can be welcomed and enjoyed instead of feared and avoided.”
Emmy Van Deurzen
This could not be a more accurate definition. Existential therapy or coaching, focuses primarily on the now and the future. It provides individuals with clarity through those cloudy days and awareness as to how to master life. The ultimate target of existential coaching is to enable clients who are facing an existential crisis of any sorts (that being a redundancy, serious illness, divorce, death of a loved one, or even past trauma) to come through stronger. It provides answers and solution mechanisms to acknowledge and deal with the underlying anxiety, tensions, and conflicts raised by their beliefs, values, and strategies.
The ability to perceive, the paradoxes of human existence in a philosophical manner whilst learning how to work with the trials and tribulations of human existence allows for our client emancipation, and complete awareness.
Conclusively, it is evident that philosophy can have a major impact in the way you deal with obstacles in life. It can not only assist you to live a life with with greater awareness and cognisance but also provide courage, and a sense of ownership and control. Our interventions are aimed at increasing client self-awareness and self-understanding.
To help you get what you want, Dakshi provide a range of services such as 1:1 coaching & Supervision, Coaching skills training, Happiness workshops & education, Conflict resolution and more. Our services are aimed to a variety of industries with an aim on thought and industry leaders, corporate executives and the finance industry.
Dakshi, was created with the purpose of enlightening and empowering professionals to work through difficulties faced in their daily lives. Our clients visit us for a number of reasons such as: to make changes, become more successful, maximize their potential, become more successful, develop resilience against recurring obstacles, feel more present and more fulfilled, connect with a sense of meaning and purpose, resolve conflicts within and with others, to make difficult life and business decisions, or generally to understand, explore and ponder what life is all about.
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