Abstract

Human beings live in constant battle with issues that are fundamental to their existence. Whether it is a fear of death or problems with intimacy, learning to live with these issues whilst loving another can be a whirlwind of challenges and disappointments. Couples who seek relationship therapy are looking for a way to reconnect with one another and understand the existential predicaments that they each face.
In this inspiring new book, Emmy van Deurzen and Susan Iacovou have brought together world renowned therapists to demonstrate how existential theories can improve therapeutic practice. Each contributor explores their own unique existential approach to relationship therapy, drawing on the great thinkers that have informed their work - from Socrates to Sartre - and revealing some of their most profound practice with their clients.
Whether you are a student, trainee, or experienced counsellor, you will find this a ground-breaking book which will enrich and transform your work with relationships.
Emmy van Deurzen is a philosopher, psychotherapist and counselling psychologist, with a worldwide reputation in existential therapy. She is Principal and Co-founder of the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling and the author of many seminal books in the field.
Susan Iacovou is an existential psychologist and psychotherapist with a private practice in Cheshire, UK, and teaches on counselling courses at a number of UK universities. She has published widely and has a particular interest in existential therapy with couples and families. 
 

Finally, I have a text to fill a hole in my syllabus that grounds the beauty and challenges of 'being-with' one another within and beyond therapeutic care. Bravo!' - Todd DuBose, Associate Professor, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, USA

'A book like this could not have come too soon, its offerings so vital and timeless... it will certainly be embraced by many helping professionals and those attracted to living more authentically in their relationships to self and to others.'- Jason Winkler, Faculty Member, Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy, Canada

'This book is a pioneering contribution to the literature on relationship therapies.' Kirk Schneider, Ph.D., author of Existential-Humanistic Therapy (with Orah Krug) and editor of Existential-Integrative Psychotherapy

'Existential Perspectives on Relationship Therapy brings together insights into relational therapy from a wide range of highly experienced existential practitioners. It is a valuable resource for any therapist to enrich and develop their understanding of relational therapy. A very worthwhile read.' – Paul McGinley is both UKCP Registered, and BACP Accredited, and is the Former Chair of the 'Society for Existential Analysis' (SEA), UK

'Therapists have found it hard to access well digested and clear thinking about relationship therapy from an existential perspective as its targeted contributions are limited and somewhat far-flung. van Deurzen and Iacovou have produced a corrective to this which offers important insights into many of the relationship issues faced by therapists in their day to day practice.' - Dr Martin Milton, Principal Lecturer and Programme Director of Counselling Pscyhology Programmes, Regent's University London, UK

"This book reinforces, clarifies and expands my understanding of its dominant theme: the centrality of relationships to human existence. It comprises a comprehensive and up-to-date collection of short contributions that demonstrate how existential therapists from all over the world work with couple relationships." - Therapy Today