Structural Existential Analysis: An Existential-Phenomenological Method for Researching Life

by Emmy van Deurzen, Claire Arnold-Baker

Overview

Structural Existential Analysis (SEA) is a qualitative research method which uses an existential-phenomenological framework that has been developed through decades of therapeutic and research practice. This book describes the method of SEA and how to apply it to qualitative research.

The book starts with a detailed description of the existential underpinnings of SEA, drawing on a range of phenomenologists, to demonstrate the need for a phenomenology of interiority. The method is described in full, explaining the use of a specific form of self-reflection (SOAR) and of the Existential Research Dialogue. The second part focuses on the analysis of the research data. A full description is given of each of the filters, in terms of their origin, their meaning and of the specific ways in which they are applied. The text is enlivened by ample examples demonstrating how the filters can be used and how the analysis can draw out different aspects of human experience throughout the process.

The book will be essential reading, for all those involved in education, training or research in existential therapies, clinical psychology and counselling psychology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367707941
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/28/2025
Pages:	224
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Emmy van Deurzen is a philosopher and psychologist who has practiced as an existential therapist for over 50 years. She is the author of many well-known books and Co-Founder and Director of the Existential Academy, London, UK.

Claire Arnold-Baker is a counselling psychologist and existential therapist and Principal of NSPC, London, UK. She specialises in researching and working with mothers and supervising doctoral research in this and other related areas.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why Structural Existential Analysis? Part 1: Theory 1. Existential Philosophy and its Importance for Research 2. The Phenomenological Attitude in Structural Existential Analysis 3. Designing Structural Existential Analysis Research 4. Designing, Conducting and Recording an In-Depth Existential Research Dialogue Part 2: Application 5. The Filter of TIME 6. The Filter of SPACE 7. The Filter of PARADOX 8. The Filter of PURPOSE 9. The Filter of PASSION 10. Synthesis 11. Returning to Phenomenological Principles

Editorial Reviews

This innovative and inspiring new text provides a comprehensive guide to structural existential analysis: a research method that – as a stand-alone approach or in combination with other methods – can help to develop a deep, rich, and vivid understanding of participants’ lived-worlds. Philosophical foundations for the approach are clearly explained, with practical guidance and illustrations throughout to show their application. A valuable resource for qualitative researchers in the counselling and psychotherapy field and beyond.

Mick Cooper, Professor of Counselling Psychology, University of Roehampton, UK

Grounded in existential literature, theory and practice this timely book wonderfully articulates the qualitative research method of Structural Existential Analysis (SEA) where the key focus is on how people actually experience human existence. The application of SEA is beautifully articulated and how it can offer more depth and richness of meaning through the use of the Existential Research Dialogue (ERD). The authors describe SEA research as a passionate research enterprise, and they certainly articulate that passion as they both challenge and engage the reader to share in the essential quest for knowledge of the human condition. The book offers a significant opportunity to what the authors describe as therapist-researchers in facilitating a different and informed choice of qualitative research method.

Alistair McBeath, BPS Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow; he is also a UKCP registered Psychotherapist and Senior Lecturer on the DC Psych programme at the Metanoia Institute, UK, and co-author of Enjoying Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy

From the Publisher