Mick Cooper introduces the philosophical roots and practical applications of existential therapy, exploring key themes like freedom, meaning, and mortality. With examples and client dialogue, he brings the approach to life—carry on reading to deepen your understanding.
This lecture offers you the opportunity to learn about existential psychotherapy and counselling from Mick Cooper, Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton.
You will be introduced to this topic and learn about:
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You will then build on this core philosophical understanding by learning how these ideas are translated into a therapeutic context, and applied in the counselling room.
Did you know that – just as there is no one approach to existential philosophy – so there are also multiple branches of existential therapy? Mick explains these, and key figures in their development, including Viktor Frankl, Irvin Yalom and Emmy van Deurzen.
Key themes in existential therapy are explored, including freedom, choice, mortality, meaning and meaninglessness. Throughout, Mick provides examples of dialogues with clients, illustrating in a practical and easy-to-understand way how these concepts can be used in real life to support clients with their life challenges.
As part of this, you will witness key skills in existential therapy, for example:
At all stages, Mick links the ideas presented to humanistic counselling, illustrating their natural fit with – and differences from – Carl Rogers’ person-centred therapy.
Recommended reading is provided, including several books authored or co-authored by the lecturer himself; one of these will also help you learn more about how you can combine existential therapy and pluralism in the counselling context. In addition, Mick gives information on where to access further training in existential therapy if this is an area that captures your imagination.
Mick Cooper is an internationally recognised author, trainer, and consultant in the field of humanistic, existential, and pluralistic therapies.
He is a Chartered Psychologist and Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of Roehampton where he heads up the Centre for Research in Social and Psychological Transformation.
Mick has facilitated workshops and lectures around the world, including New Zealand, Lithuania, and the US.
Mick’s principal areas of research have been in shared decision-making/personalising therapy, and counselling for young people in schools.
In 2014, Mick received the Carmi Harari Mid-Career Award from Division 32 of the American Psychological Association.
He is a Fellow of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and the Academy of Social Sciences.
Mick lives in Brighton with his four children.