ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the landscape and lays out the structure of the book, which was designed for the reader to grasp the framework of existential coaching, understand its core ideas and acquire relevant tools, details and information to either embrace the approach in its own right or simply let an understanding of the philosophy add to your existing coaching style. Existential coaching is ontological and hence concerned with questions that underlie our existence (being) in relation to our daily choices. An exploration of the human condition, a result of being alive and in the world with other people, includes questions around themes such as death, dilemma, choice, uncertainty, impermanence, endings, isolation, incongruence, authenticity, identity, worldview, social pressures, anxiety, eeriness, discomfort and dread. The existential givens represent limitations as well as possibilities. Many clients live in denial and existential coaches offer a space to face the realities of living and its challenges with courage. Ultimately the existential approach offers to lift the vail and embrace happiness in the face of discomfort. By the end of this book you will have an understanding of the existential coaching landscape: where it fits, how it is practised and how it can inform your coaching practice.
