“This emphasis on the boundaries of human existence is typical of the existential perspective.  It is frequently ignored in the humanistic orientation, which nevertheless prides itself on its existential roots.

The humanistic stance puts the accent on human freedom and choice at the expense of a healthy recognition of its counterpart of necessity and determinism. A decidedly existential approach will always include a thorough consideration of realities, limitations and consequences. A serious analysis of the human condition cannot fail to notice constraints as well as liberties. The humanistic arrogance which believes mankind to be the centre of the universe and which encourages a blind pursuit of individual rights and freedom can only lead to disaster.

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Unfortunately some of the prevailing assumptions in counselling circles are based on this type of short-term vision. Clients are sometimes encouraged to put self-development or self-actualization before anything else. In this way an ethic of wishful thinking is embarked upon. People are helped to take their lives in their own hands and to believe that their current lives are based on a number of mistakes which can be easily eradicated.

In reality life is a little more complex than that, for people are rarely engaged in anything without there being a number of good reasons for it. Only to the extent that a person is aware of the wider existential context of her situation can she begin to move forward with a sense of direction. Picking up notions about what is desirable from the current ideas in circulation can only lead to landing oneself in an impasse if the implications and consequences have not been fully thought through privately. Counsellors have to be particularly careful in monitoring the client’s personal investigation of the wider context. It is only too easy to influence a client towards change without previous reflection.”

(van Deurzen-Smith, E 1998. Existential Counselling in Practice, Sage, London, 12-13.)