About Existential Therapy
To quote the Society of Existential Analysis,
"Existential – Phenomenology takes the human condition in all its wondrous manifestations as the focus of investigation. Existential – Phenomenology emphasises the unfolding nature of human experience and brings a curiosity to what it means to be human. Its aim is to reveal the way in which each individual comes to understand and construct his or her particular way of being – the way in which we create our own lives and selves by the way we live and come to understand the world."
In simpler terms, as therapists our role is to facilitate with you a process of reflection. Our role is to help you reach a point of clarity around the meaning that arises from your life experiences - and as such we work with you to understand not only why things happen but also how things have come to be.
A unique element of existential therapy is our emphasis on the relational aspect of humanity. We examine how we as individuals relate to both ourselves, others and being in the world more generally. This helps clients to explore their relationships and worldview in context of everything they experience. In doing so, we can explore the hidden processes that occur between people and the nature of relationships; the nature of the anxiety we all face in our lives; and challenge ourselves to make the most of our lives by facing the definitions of the choices which lay before each one of us.
Existential therapy is appropriate for both short and long-term therapy.
How we can help
Typically therapy sessions take place weekly and last for 50 minutes. During the sessions you have the opportunity to discuss the issues you are facing in a facilitated manner; I will not give advice or choose a particular direction for you. Rather as your therapist I will listen, and together we can consider ways of finding solutions which will work best for your life.
Within therapy clients often seek to explore issues related to aspects of personal life and relationships, working life, or their social life. Therapy or counselling could be helpful if you are looking to explore:
- Relationships
- Insecurity or low self-esteem
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Trauma
- Work related problems and redundancy
- Sex, sexuality, and gender
- Abuse
- Anger
- Bereavement
- Addictions
- Eating disorders
- Cultural and family problems
Therapy sessions are typically priced at £xxx per session. However one day weekly I also see clients on a sliding scale according to income, so please reach out for more information for the most accurate quotation.
“The fluid and constantly developing nature of the Existential approach lends itself well to working creatively with all aspects of human experience – whatever the therapeutic needs or problem being faced.”
About Benjamin J. Spray
I am an experienced, professional counsellor and psychotherapist working in central and southern London.
I work from an existential perspective, an approach that seeks closer understanding of what matters to you in your life and how you may live out difficulties more meaningfully, with greater understanding of your resources and strengths.
In my sessions I offer individual counselling, self-development and supervision. I see the central task of therapy to be clarifying and exploring the issues you bring in a way that is non-judgemental and easy to understand. The existential approach is based upon being emotionally present, facilitative and direct.
Qualifications
MA, Psychotherapy & Counselling Psychology, Regent's College London
ADEP, Existential Psychotherapy, Regent's College London