Existential-Humanistic Therapy

by Kirk J. Schneider, Orah T. Krug

Overview

This third edition offers an updated primer to the theory, history, research, and practice of existential–humanistic (EH) therapy, which merges existential philosophy with humanistic psychotherapy.
 
EH therapy blends the European heritage of self-inquiry, struggle, and responsibility with the American tradition of spontaneity, optimism, and practicality. This book helps therapists and trainees understand how to help people address critical life questions and attune to how clients relate to themselves and to others, appropriately reflecting back aspects of themselves that are evident but unnoticed.
 
New to this edition are significant updates to research and theory, including the work of Otto Rank, an often-overlooked pioneer in EH therapy, and new concepts like existential unconsciousness and life-enhancing anxiety. The cultivation of presence as a central component of the therapeutic relationship is also emphasized.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781433844744
Publisher:	American Psychological Association
Publication date:	11/18/2025
Series:	Theories of Psychotherapy Series®
Edition description:	Third
Pages:	211
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Kirk J. Schneider, PhD, is president of the Existential–Humanistic Institute and adjunct faculty at Saybrook University and Teachers College, Columbia University. He is also past president of the American Psychological Association’s Society for Humanistic Psychology (Division 32). Dr. Schneider has published more than 200 articles and chapters and has authored/edited 15 books, including The Psychology of Existence (with Rollo May) and Life-Enhancing Anxiety. He received the Rollo May Award from Division 32 and the Cultural Innovator award from The Living Institute, Toronto, Canada. He delivered keynote addresses at all three World Congresses for Existential Therapy. Visit https://www.youtube.com/@CorpsofDepthHealers-ws9nq and http://www.kirkjschneider.com.
 
Orah T. Krug, PhD, is a licensed psychotherapist and owner of Krug Counseling, Inc., in Oakland, CA. She was also the first clinical director and founding member of the Existential-Humanistic Institute. Dr. Krug has published numerous articles and chapters and coauthored Supervision Essentials of Existential-Humanistic Therapy with Kirk Schneider. She has presented at numerous American Psychological Association conferences, Division 32 conferences, and at the World Congress of Existential Therapy. Dr. Krug recorded training videos and interviews with Victor Yalom, along with other videos, available at https://www.psychotherapy.net/videos. Visit https://www.krugcounseling.com.

Table of Contents

Series Preface
How to Use This Book With APA Psychotherapy Videos
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. History
Chapter 3. Theory
Chapter 4. Therapy Process
Chapter 5. Evaluation
Chapter 6. Future Developments
Chapter 7. Summary
Appendix A. A Close Up of Otto Rank’s Influence on Existential-–Humanistic Psychology
Appendix B. The Existential Unconscious: A Revisioning of Our Hidden Selves
Appendix C. Short-Term Case: Hamilton
Appendix D. Phases of Change in a Typical Long-Term Existential Therapy
Appendix E. Long-Term Case: Claudia
Appendix F. Summary of Experiential Stances of the Existential–Integrative Model
Glossary of Key Terms
Suggested Readings and Resources
References
Index
About the Authors
About the Series Editor

Editorial Reviews

Leading existential–humanistic psychologists Kirk J. Schneider and Orah T. Krug provide a comprehensive and practical overview of this therapeutic modality. With important advancements from previous editions, the authors engage the existential unconscious, cultural perspectives, and research foundations as well as the core aspects of existential–humanistic (EH) therapy, including presence, meaning, freedom/choice, and responsibility. Covering both the uniqueness of EH therapy and its foundations for an integrative approach, this book is essential reading for anyone interested in the existential and interpersonal dimensions of psychotherapy.

Louis Hoffman

Schneider and Krug are renowned scholars and practitioners of existential–humanistic therapy. Not only does this volume clearly explain the theory and practice of existential–humanistic therapy, it is also a clear example of psychotherapy integration at its best.

George Stricker

Provides a clear, concise, and comprehensive overview of the primary American approach to therapy in the existentialist tradition. The introduction, history, and theory sections provide a basic overview that situates this tradition of therapy in a body of work that emerged in the early 1960s, and that has developed into an integrationist orientation that, while founded on existential and humanistic principles, has the theoretical openness and flexibility to incorporate a wide range of empirically based techniques within its applications to therapeutic practice.

PsycCRITIQUES

Provides a clear, concise, and comprehensive overview of the primary American approach to therapy in the existentialist tradition. The introduction, history, and theory sections provide a basic overview that situates this tradition of therapy in a body of work that emerged in the early 1960s, and that has developed into an integrationist orientation that, while founded on existential and humanistic principles, has the theoretical openness and flexibility to incorporate a wide range of empirically based techniques within its applications to therapeutic practice.” —PsycCRITIQUES

"Schneider and Krug are renowned scholars and practitioners of existential–humanistic therapy. Not only does this volume clearly explain the theory and practice of existential–humanistic therapy, it is also a clear example of psychotherapy integration at its best." —George Stricker, PhD, Professor, American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University, Arlington, VA

"I wish I could have read this book 50 years ago back when I began practicing existential-humanistic psychotherapy, building valuable training in psychodynamic theory and practice. And I wish Rollo May, Jim Bugental and others had lived to see their work so well explicated and extended to help people deepen their meaningful engagement in life. Schneider and Krug have gifted us with a book that enriches this profound movement to make psychotherapy good for the soul." —Tom Greening, Ph.D., International Editor of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Los Angeles, CA

From the Publisher