ABSTRACT
In Chapter 3 we noted that the humanistic model of personality, psychopathology, and psychotherapy initially drew most of its concepts from existential philosophy, emphasizing people’s innate freedom to choose, take responsibility for their choices, and live very much in the present moment. Healthy living in the here-and-now confronts us with the existential realities of being, freedom, responsibility, and choice, and contemplating existence in turn forces us to face the ever-present possibility of nonexistence. Facing the inevitability of death means coming to terms with angst or existential anxiety—a process that is essential to healthy development and a fulfilling life. Each individual’s search for meaning in life is his or her ultimate goal and highest aspiration.
