The Existential Approach to psychotherapy is informed by a philosophical perspective. It is unlike the medical model in the sense that rather than define, label, categorise and diagnose certain behaviours or ways of being, the existential practitioner takes each individual as they come, with an openness to each persons unique experience and facticity. We are more concerned with subjective experience and as such value the pursuit of meaning and truth through the eyes of the client. Many of the issues that arise are connected with the anxiety of being human in a world where our time is finite, the struggle with our own identity, everyday pressures and stress, and what it means to exist in this world that we create for ourselves.

Common themes are freedom, choice, anxiety, dread, angst, death, lack of meaning, stress, and what it means 'to be'. We all use 'masks' in order to face the everyday world, and the ability to be the person others expect us to be often makes it difficult to discuss issues of concern with friends or loved ones. Whether it be relationship issues, sexuality, redundancy, death, illness, dependancy, family struggles, childhood memories or compulsions; exploring your issues in a safe, confidential environment may be meaningful and valuable.  Some people just need to make sense of where they are in a specific crisis, whereas others require the ability to speak openly about general issues and let the connections and insights reveal themselves.