Often clients come to us in the midst of making difficult but important life decisions. As therapists we are often torn between wanting to assist them in making these decisions, but not wanting to fall into a purely problem-solving mode—because if we stay at a surface level, engaging in a rational discussion looking at pros and cons, then we are likely missing out on important undercurrents at play. Only by helping them gain greater awareness of these undercurrents can we be working with a full deck, so to speak, thus helping them make a truly informed decision that brings their full range of thoughts and feelings into play.
In the case of Luke, you’ll see Yalom help Luke in only two sessions gain a much greater awareness of the factors causing him to struggle with the decision over getting a vasectomy. Insightful discussions with his son Victor, and voiceover commentaries during the sessions, give viewers insight into how Yalom conceptualizes his work with Luke, the rationale for his interventions, as well as general principles for conducting psychotherapy using an “existential lens.”
Length of video: 1:01:57
English subtitles available
Group ISBN-10 #: 1-60124-539-4
Group ISBN-13 #: 978-1-60124-539-7

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 stage-of-life issues fit the existential psychotherapy frame
- Describe the therapeutic benefits of therapist self-disclosure
- Describe how metaphor can facilitate authentic clients expression
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