Freedom of choice and responsibility is the central thought of existential philosophy. We have greater scope of freedom of choice and responsibility beyond what we think and admit. Our freedom of choice and responsibility is subject to some limitations but still we can choose within such limits. The facts and values of life do limit us to certain grounds in life. It is also stated that we are condemned by our freedom of choice and responsibility. We are also condemned to choose from alternatives in life.
In my opinion agree with this assumption of freedom of choice and responsibility in life. The freedom of choice and responsibility leads to both wrong and right choices in life. The consequences and the outcomes of our choices fully depend on the nature of our decisions. When we make right decisions then we will be tied to such by enjoying the positive consequences and impact of our choices in life. The consequences of making right decisions and choices will be a blessing to us. The freedom of choice and responsibility also may lead to wrong choices that are may make us suffer.
This assumption of freedom of choice and responsibility in the existential thought making us bounded by our own decisions. Freedom makes us slaves of our choices in life. This creates limits and boundaries in the world that we exist. The aspects of anxiety and exhilaration in decision making makes the assumption of existential thought practical in life. Anxiety represents the curse part of freedom. It is also clear we are not able to deny our responsibilities due to the power of freedom of choice and responsibility. The freedom of choice and responsibility enables us to determine our future and the paths we take in the world that we exist. The ‘givens' of existence in life like gender and background also limits our freedom since we cannot change them.
I think Gestalt theory will work for in the counselling context because it gives emphasis and focus on present experience of individuals. This will, therefore, give attention to the issues of both the client and the therapist during the counselling session. This also useful because the aspects of the social context and environment of personal life are also given emphasis. This will also enable an individual at a personal level to make self-adjustments in relation to the overall situation. The emphasis on self-fulfillment is very essential in the counselling session. Self-responsibility and developing authenticity are also core values of Gestalt therapy making it very practical to our lives in counselling sessions (Brownell, 2012, p.16). This therapy gives focus and attention on the present conditions and situation of an individual making it appropriate in solving the current conditions in life. Gestalt therapy also deals with the unity of body, mind and feelings.
Of the two methods, Gestalt therapy more suitable than the existential theory of freedom and responsibility. Gestalt theory is more appropriate than the existential theory because it gives emphasis and attention on the needs of the client or patient. This also appeals to the current situation and time when the client is experiencing such conditions. The client will also be able to achieve self-fulfillment in life. This also enables the therapist to understand what the client experiencing and feeling so as to give immediate response to the situation. This also enables to express both verbal and non-verbal expressions of the client.
References
Brownell, P. (2012). Gestalt therapy for addictive and self-medicating behaviors. New York: Springer.
