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James Bugental and Irvin Yalom

Two Masters of Existential Therapy Cultivate Presence in the Therapeutic Encounter

Existential-Humanistic Institute, orahkrug{at}sbcglobal.net

James Bugental and Irvin Yalom, noted existential psychotherapists and educators, both emphasize a psychotherapeutic method that cultivates presence. This important yet difficult to define therapeutic method deserves greater clarification due to its role in effecting therapeutic change. The present study compared Bugental and Yalom on selected presuppositions that relate to the cultivation of presence in order to explore their influence on each man's practice of existential psychotherapy. A psychobiographical framework illuminated how their personal experiences influenced the formation of these presuppositions. The present study revealed that the different presuppositions, which Bugental and Yalom hold about existential psychotherapy, influence each therapist's theoretical understanding of the cultivation of presence, which in turn shape how each practices existential psychotherapy. Although both therapists concentrate more on process than on content, Bugental usually attends to the intra personal processes of the client whereas Yalom often attends to the interpersonal processes. The findings of the present study help explain current research related to the significance of contextual factors in the therapeutic endeavor. The findings also highlight the importance of clarifying therapeutic presuppositions and assumptions. Finally, the findings illuminate the benefit of integrating intrapersonal and interpersonal approaches.

Key Words: James Bugental • Irvin Yalom • intrapersonal presence • interpersonal presence • existential psychotherapy • contextual factors

This version was published on July 1, 2009

Journal of Humanistic Psychology, Vol. 49, No. 3, 329-354 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/0022167809334001


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