From psychotherapy to emotional well being

Emmy Van Deurzen (*)

 

 

ABSTRACT

This paper considers the relevance of philosophy to psychotherapy. It traces the progression of early western philosophy in its approach to human emotions and considers how this is mirrored in current psychotherapeutic practice. It argues that psychotherapists have much to learn from philosophy and that a clear understanding of life events and issues is essential for doing good psychotherapy.

Key words: Philosophy, psychotherapy, ethics, existential, moral principles, emotions detachment, wisdom, dialectics, well-being.

 

 

RESUMO

Este artigo considera a relevância da filosofia para a psicoterapia. Esboça o progresso da filosofia ocidental antepassada na sua abordagem às emoções humanas e considera como esta é espelhada na prática psicoterapêutica actual. Argumenta que os psicoterapeutas têm muito que aprender da filosofia e que uma clara compreensão dos acontecimentos e assuntos da vida é essencial para praticar uma boa psicoterapia.

Palavras-chave: Filosofia, psicoterapia, ética, existencial, princípios morais, emoções, liberdade de espírito, sabedoria, dialéctica, bem-estar.

 

 

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(*) University of Sheffield, United Kingdom.