ABSTRACT
Existential theory states that humans have four ultimate dilemmas to face in their lives: death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness. Working existentially means different things for different people. The author has become involved in setting up the first counselling service offered specifically for people born with defects caused by Thalidomide. The author felt slightly nervous about seeing Janet, as she, too, was a victim of Thalidomide and had an upper arm disability. The existential counsellor or therapist needs to come to the sessions with complete openness to the individual situation and with an attitude of wonder that will allow the specific circumstances and experiences to unfold in their own right. “The individual’s confrontation with each of the facts of life constitutes the content of the existential dynamic conflict”. Assisting other human beings in understanding their own life in a genuine and meaningful manner is a serious matter.
