| existential | Pertaining to a branch of philosophy, existentialism, concerned with the search for the meaning of one's own existence, that has been extended into existential psychotherapy. Origin: L. Existentia, existence (05 Mar 2000) |
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| existential psychiatry | A type of therapy, based on existential philosophy, emphasizing confrontation, primarily spontaneous interaction, and feeling experiences rather than rational thinking, with less attention given to patient resistances; the therapist is involved on the same level and to the same degree as the patient. Synonym: existential psychiatry. (05 Mar 2000) |
| existential psychology | A theory of psychology, based on the philosophies of phenomenology and existentialism, which holds that the proper study of psychology is an individual's experience of the sequence, spatiality, and organization of his or her existence in the world. (05 Mar 2000) |
| existential psychotherapy | A type of therapy, based on existential philosophy, emphasizing confrontation, primarily spontaneous interaction, and feeling experiences rather than rational thinking, with less attention given to patient resistances; the therapist is involved on the same level and to the same degree as the patient. Synonym: existential psychiatry. (05 Mar 2000) |
| existentialism | A philosophical doctrine basic to existential psychology or existential psychiatry. It focuses on the individual's subjective awareness of his style of existence, his intimate interaction with himself, and his environment. (12 Dec 1998) |