Investigating the principles of psychotherapy based on comparative analysis of views of existence philosophers

Abstract

The purpose of the present study is to inference some principles of psychotherapy based on the investigation and comparative analysis of the ideas of existence philosophers regarding human being and his psyche. The research method used is comparative analysis as well as practical syllogism from the philosophical research methods. As the results indicate, although there are many variations in the ideas of the existence philosophers, all of them focus on similar points in explaining the human essence. With regard to such ground, the psychotherapy principles including self-awareness, freedom and responsibility; search for mean; personality; and authenticity were deduced. The methods for applying and practicing each of the principles by the therapists and the counselors in treating the human psyche are also proposed.