Existential Theory

Existential theory is grounded on the assumption that we are free and therefore responsible four our choices and actions, this theory believes we are the author of our lives, and we design the pathway we follow (Corey, 2017). The existential theory see’s each person as a unique individual (Corey, 2017), while this is true this learner believes that we cannot escape the impact of our environment. The Gestalt theory is grounded in the premise that individuals have the capacity to self-regulate when they are aware of what is happening in and around them (Corey, 2017). Gestalt’s theory views on human nature is rooted in existential philosophy, phenomenology, and field theory (Corey, 2017).

Gestalt’s theory encourage the client to look at unfinished business, when unfinished business figures emerges from the background those unresolved figure are often manifested in feelings of resentment, rage, hatred, pain, anxiety, grief, guilt and abandonment (Corey, 2017). The reading also states that unacknowledged feelings create unnecessary emotional debris that clutters present-centered awareness, lingering in the background these feelings are carried into the present life in ways that interfere with how we deal with ourselves and others (Corey, 2017).

It for the above reasons along with other why this learn at this find Gestalt theory to be the most useful in Rosa’s case. Rosa unresolved past issues are impacting her future, the goal in using Gestalt theory with Rosa is for her to attain a greater awareness, and with it greater choice, awareness includes knowing the environment, knowing oneself, accepting oneself (Corey, 2017). This is accomplished when the therapist and the client actively enter into a partnership, the client learn about themselves and he or she are encourage to try new behaviors while taking note of the results (Corey, 2017).

Reference

Corey, G. (2017). Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy. (10, Ed.) Boston: Cengage Learning.