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1.00 CE Credits Available
Irvin Yalom in Session: Luke
by Irvin Yalom
In two engaging sessions with Luke, a 39-year-old husband and father grappling with whether to have a vasectomy, Yalom brings to life the subterranean longings symbolized by this existential crossroad, and helps Luke “surrender to life.”
Luke comes to therapy with a seemingly straightforward dilemma: Should he have a vasectomy or not? A father of two, happily married with a secure job, he can’t quite figure out why he’s having so much trouble going through with the procedure. It’s not long before he and Yalom dive deep below the surface question to the dreams, fantasies and “other lives” that are speaking to Luke in both conscious and unconscious ways. Yalom weaves together disparate pieces of Luke’s life to call him to a deeper reckoning with his choices, illustrating how an existential perspective can aid us in exploring the types of human struggles we encounter daily in our offices.
See what true authenticity and honesty looks like in therapy, learn how to enliven and deepen the relationship with “here-and-now” interventions, and see one of the world’s most-loved psychotherapists doing what he does best. If you’ve enjoyed and been enriched by Yalom’s diverse writings on therapy, you’ll not want to miss this opportunity to see this master in action, with over 60 years of clinical wisdom on display.
What therapists are saying…
"Yalom builds upon his legacy by allowing the viewer a window into his work. Yalom accomplishes on camera what he has done with his writing for so many years – bringing to life the theory of existentialism. These videos would be helpful to any professor teaching counseling theories or counseling skills or anyone wanting to understand what existentialism looks like in practice."
-- Cindy L. Anderton, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Counselor Education, University of Wisconsin
-- Cindy L. Anderton, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Department of Counselor Education, University of Wisconsin
"As a counselor educator I am always looking for video demonstration that give my students examples of what theory into practice really looks like. These videos provide great examples of self-disclosure and the use of here-and-now principles in session. I also appreciate the ease in the way Dr. Yalom integrates existential theory into his sessions."
-- Tiffany P. Brooks, PhD, Adjunct Professor, Lindsey Wilson College, School of Professional Counseling
-- Tiffany P. Brooks, PhD, Adjunct Professor, Lindsey Wilson College, School of Professional Counseling
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.”
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
Irvin Yalom was compensated for his/her/their contribution. None of his/her/their books or additional offerings are required for any of the Psychotherapy.net content. Should such materials be references, it is as an additional resource.
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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
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Course Reviewed January 2025
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