Gareth is the type of client many therapists cherish: he is bright, articulate, engaging, and quite motivated to find a way to reduce his distress. And yet…he presents certain challenges as well. He is insightful, and can speak easily about himself and his difficulties, often staying at a cognitive level, so it may feel that it is hard to break new ground with him. So it’s most interesting to witness first hand the various strategies Yalom uses to connect with him and help him gain some new perspectives.
There are several moving exchanges between these two men, both in the later stages of their lives. Any therapist who sees our work as helping clients navigate the challenges of the human condition will find these sessions riveting, and Yalom’s commentary illuminating. And if that’s not how you typically see therapy, perhaps you’ll reconsider!
Length of video: 00:56:02
English subtitles available
Group ISBN-10 #: 1-60124-538-6
Group ISBN-13 #: 978-1-60124-538-0

Psychiatrist and author
Irvin Yalom, MD has been a major figure in the field of psychotherapy since he first wrote
The Theory and Practice of Group Psychotherapy in 1970 (now in it's 5th edition). Other significant contributions have included
Existential Psychotherapy, and NY Times Bestseller
Loves Executioner and Other Tales of Psychotherapy. He has written four novels on psychotherapy:
When Nietzsche Wept, Lying on the Couch, The Schopenhauer Cure, and
The Spinoza Problem. His works, translated into over 20 languages, have been widely read by therapists and non-therapists alike.
Visit Dr. Yalom's website.
See all Irvin Yalom Videos
CE credits: 1
Learning Objectives:
- Explain how Irvin Yalom uses an "existential lens" in psychotherapy
- Describe how Yalom utilizes clients' dreams in his therapeutic work
- Plan effective treatment using the authenticity and self-disclosure
Bibliography available upon request
This course is offered for ASWB ACE credit for social workers. See complete list of CE approvals here
© 2017
Course Reviewed January 2023