In some ways it’s reassuring to see a renowned therapist, with 60 years of experience under his belt, struggle to gain a foothold in his work with Eugenia—reassuring to realize that in this age of “manualized” and “evidence-based” treatment, veterans like Yalom defy these trends, and approach their therapy with each client as a unique journey, and can easily be confused and challenged along the way. It’s refreshing to see his candor with his struggles, both in session with his client, and in the commentary he shares with viewers.
And it’s also reassuring to see that despite this, he manages to find his way—or at least some way—to help her begin to make sense of her seemingly out-of-the-blue existential panic. All therapists have clients who present with initial symptoms that make sense—such as feelings of depression or anxiety after a breakup or job loss—and other clients who present with symptoms that have no obvious precipitating stressor. Eugenia, like the other clients in this series, Luke and Gareth, are real clients with real-life concerns that don’t fit neatly into the DSM or treatment manuals; seeing Yalom thinking on his feet, trying one thing and then another, is what makes these videos so valuable for any therapist wanting to advance their clinical skills and understanding.
Length of video: 2:13:00
English subtitles available
Group ISBN-10 #: 1-60124-540-8
Group ISBN-13 #: 978-1-60124-540-3

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: 2.25
Learning Objectives:
- Explain how to apply an existential lens to psychotherapy
- Describe the therapeutic importance of a "death history"
- Design treatment that incorporates clients' formative experiences with death
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