Assumptions of Existential Psychology
One of the assumptions of this perspective is the freedom of choice and responsibility. For human beings, the ability to have this freedom of choice requires them to bear any responsibility that comes from their choices (Park). All humans are free to choose their life path. On the concept of self-awareness, humans have the capacity to increase their freedom depending on the level of their awareness.
Additionally, the concept of anxiety results from the experience humans have with confrontation due to their own limitations. This anxiety is aimed towards at the future and is unpredictable (Corso). Another assumption of this perspective of psychology is the need to be unique. Uniqueness develops from life experiences and interaction with other people. Another assumption is the searching of the meaning of life. A meaningless life creates guilt in an individual. Death forms an essential part in the existential psychology perspective. Death motivates humans to live (Park).
Assumptions of Gestalt Therapy Psychology
Assumptions of the Gestalt therapy perspective include the notion that learning occurs through the process of here and now experience (Stevenson, 2005). Secondly, another assumption is that growth in an individual is made possible via interaction between a client and the therapist. The third assumption is that awareness brings out the concept of choice. Fourthly, for change to occur it must be the initiative and responsibility of the client or patient. Another assumption is that experimentation is essential as a source of learning in this therapy. The Gestalt therapy perspective also assumes that growth will take place at the point between the known and the unknown (Stevenson, 2005).
References
Corso, T. (n.d.). Existential Psychotherapy. Existential Psychotherapy. Retrieved February 13,
2013, from http://www.existentialpsychotherapyandcounselling.bacp.co.uk/?pageId=757
Park, S. J. (n.d.). Existential Therapy. Welcome to people.unt.edu. Retrieved February 13, 2013,
Stevenson, H. (2005). Gestalt Coaching. OD Practitioner, 37(4), 36-40.
