Existential encounter in Gabriel Marcel: Its value in psychotherapy

Abstract

The concept of encounter in Marcel's philosophic thought refers to "a mutual, unique, non-objectifiable and personal relationship in which two persons surrender themselves to each other's presence with the whole of their being." Its preconditions are "creative fidelity" to ourselves and "availability" to others, its presupposition an option to "answer the call of Being." Sound therapy, which can be under-taken only on the basis of a true encounter, thus requires "a reverent waiting (by) the therapist, a deep respect for the integrity of the client's person, a constant endeavor to be open to his growth, and the valuable gift of being available to the client with the whole of his being." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all rights reserved)