Although existential counseling offers an insightful and sobering perspective on the human condition, its complex and technical explanations have caused it to be inaccessible to counseling professionals. In an interview, Vontress explains the basic concepts in simple language and describes the personal journey that led him to adopt this…

A sound theoretical orientation is essential to the professional integrity of mental health counseling. Existential theory is congruent with the values of mental health counseling and offers a useful theoretical framework for explaining interventions. The basic concepts of existential theory as a basis for practice are delineated. (Author/EMK)