An investigation of the relevancies between Existential Psychotherapy and the “Tao De Ching”－ major in the theory of Yalom

• Main Authors: Chia-Ju Lin, 林珈如
• Other Authors: Kun-Huei Liu
• Format: Others
• Language: zh-TW
• Published: 2010
• Online Access: http://ndltd.ncl.edu.tw/handle/28757921741384387529

碩士 === 中國文化大學 === 心理輔導研究所 === 98 === The purpose of this research is to probe into the correlated concepts between Yalom’s existential psychotherapy and the Taoism scripture — “Tao Te Ching”. Moreover, it intends to deepen the theoretical thoughts of existential psychotherapy with the notions of “Tao Te Ching”. The hermeneutic method is adopted to reveal the relationship between existential psychotherapy and “Tao Te Ching” based on the concept of “Fusion of horizons”. “Tao Te Ching” is further analyzed through deconstructive reading of this research. The framework of this research consists of four topics: death, authenticity, therapeutic relationship and therapeutic process in the existential psychotherapy. Under this framework are four proposed solutions to reinforce the existential psychotherapy via “Tao Te Ching”. The first is to replace the conflict between life and death with reincarnation in order to promote positive thinking towards death. The second is to apply the saying “Who knows how glory shines, yet loves disgrace” to develop more ways to enhance one’s virtues. The third is to extend therapeutic relationship, and the fourth is to fill the cognitive system with life’s true meaning. From these proposed viewpoints, the preliminary model and therapeutic process of the existential psychotherapy with Taoism approach are constructed. Finally, concrete suggestions are made based on the findings above, for counselors, psychotherapists, clients, and ordinary people, as well as for future research. Those involved in counseling and psychotherapy work are advised to cultivate intrinsic values through “Tao Te Ching” and to adapt therapy in the understanding of cultural connotation. Clients and ordinary people should share and experience life through relationships. They must deviate from extrinsic, unruly and unstable influences and return to what is essential. Future studies should focus on the application of other theories in enriching the existential psychotherapy with Taoism approach. Moreover, they must test and verify this therapeutic process through empirical research.