After more than 13 years of lecturing in Existentialism, and helping clients and supervisees navigate these profound and essential topics, I launched some discussion groups last year during the COVID pandemic to provide a space to delve deeper into Life’s crucial questions. I am delighted to say their success has given birth to two more expanded groups, commencing this February 2022.
- A. Guided Conversations in Existentialism (for anyone, from all walks of life).
Are you looking for a space where you can be part of a structured conversation about life and existential issues? Perhaps you are new to existential ideas or already have some knowledge and would like a deeper understanding of the concepts.
This is a facilitated group where members are invited to reflect on a specific existential issue e.g. Meaning, Freedom, Death, etc and the facilitator will help guide the members in their exploration and understanding of the subject matter. This group approach will heighten people’s understanding of their position in life and ideally help clarify what it means for them to truly live.
Working in the caring fields can be a double-edged sword. There is a lot of job satisfaction but it is not uncommon that our own care, and our shadow material (both healthy and unhealthy), can be left to the side.
This is a unique, private, closed group and requires a certain degree of emotional maturity. The process involves a free flow of thought and consciousness and the benefit of these groups comes from being-with-others in a space of honest inquiry with a willingness to discuss the challenges and thrills of an examined life. While the facilitator takes responsibility for practical organisation and maintaining ethical group processes, they do not lead or direct. They join as a fellow traveller in the exploration and pursuit of meaningful life experiences and self-understanding.
Existential inquiry supports curiosity, openness, and truth. Existential thought is based upon a belief that all people experience certain conflicts in life, by the very fact of being human; being alive. These ‘givens’ include (but are not limited to) death, freedom, isolation, and meaning. Inevitability, we will all confront these existential givens at some point in life.
For further information or to book a place on a group, please go to https://allisonjoyner.ie/group-work/
Feel free to contact me if you have any questions: Tel: 087 927 6790.
Email: allisonjoynertherapy@gmail.com
