Everyday Mysteries by Emmy Van Deurzen


Everyday Mysteries
Title : Everyday Mysteries
Author :
Rating :
ISBN : 0415376432
ISBN-10 : 9780415376433
Language : English
Format Type : Paperback
Number of Pages : 384
Publication : First published January 1, 1997

This book provides an in-depth introduction to existential psychotherapy. Presenting a philosophical alternative to other forms of psychological treatment, it emphasises the problems of living and the human dilemmas that are often neglected by practitioners who focus on personal psychopathology. Emmy van Deurzen defines the philosophical ideas that underpin existential psychotherapy, summarising the contributions made by Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger and Sartre among others. She proposes a systemic and practical method of existential psychotherapy, illustrated with detailed case material. This expanded and updated second edition includes new chapters on the contributions of Max Scheler, Albert Camus, Gabriel Marcel and Emmanuel Levinas, as well as on feminist contributors such as Simone de Beauvoir and Hannah Arendt. In addition a new extended case discussion illustrates the approach in practice. Everyday Mysteries offers a fresh perspective for anyone training in psychotherapy, counselling, psychology or psychiatry. Those already established in practice will find this a stimulating source of ideas about everyday life and the mysteries of human experience, which will throw new light on old issues.

Everyday Mysteries Reviews

  • Tomás Narvaja

    Solid book, slightly outdated but provides an excellent background of the philosophy and theory behind existential psychotherapy. Various limitations aren't fully mentioned or addressed, but it gave me what I needed and was hoping for, which was just a solid background in existentialism.

  • Bean

    Everyday Mysteries tackles the philosophical and historical foundations of existential psychotherapy. Like life itself, the book gently blossoms, but its dry, academic tone causes it to wither swiftly. It doesn't try to explain life's enigmas but paints a big picture to help readers gain an understanding of the human condition. Van Deurzen offers a perspective that is perceptive and illuminating by challenging individuals to live life better and embracing one's flaws with a broad awareness of one's limitations and potential.

  • Toni

    I only read the introduction and chapters on the philosophical foundations of existential therapy. This is a promising book and Emmy van Deurzen is a very engaging and honest author compared to standard academic literature.

  • John



    Very enlightening and hopeful.

  • Michael Sanchez

    Further details regarding the existential influence on existential-phenomenological therapy.