PSY 210 Lecture Notes - Lecture 22: Rollo May, Existentialism, Irvin D. Yalom
Document Summary
If all of these things are present, client will be more open, learn things she didn"t know about herself, surprise herself. In his 30s, rollo may had tb and his life was threatened. He wrote about his desire to avoid non-being. May was critical of quick fixes that lacked emphasis on responsibility. The four problems of existence, and themes for therapy: Trials are good because they can bring spiritual healing and rewards. Transformation values are what tell us how to live. Life is most meaningful when people live according to their values. Many people are surprised when values are held in question. May wanted clients to see that freedom is a great responsibility. We all have the freedom to change and make something positive out of the negative. People tend to evade responsibility through external behaviors that are distracting. Like spending, drinking, repetitive rituals in order to stave off threats, blaming, etc. We especially feel this when we are distressed.
