Heidegger and the Roots of Existential Therapy

Anyone interested in modern philosophy is familiar with Martin Heidegger, but there is a serious gap in even the most complete accounts of his life and thought. This is Heidegger’s association with and influence on psychotherapy. Late in life, Heidegger became engaged as a tutor and consultant in a project that led to the establishment of one of the first schools of existential psychotherapy–daseinanalysis. Much of this work emerged in the vital but little discussed Zollikoner Seminare.Hans Cohn explores the role of Heidegger’s thought in providing an alternative basis for psychotherapeutic practice to the dominant psychodynamic, humanistic and cognitive approaches. Cohn also focuses strongly on the practical therapeutic relevance of Heidegger’s ideas. This book will be essential reading for students and teachers of modern philosophy, as well as existential psychotherapists, and all practitioners interested in existential approaches to therapy.