Rediscovering existential psychotherapy: the contribution of Ludwig Binswanger

Am J Psychother. 2001;55(1):51-64. doi: 10.1176/appi.psychotherapy.2001.55.1.51.

Abstract

Ludwig Binswanger, a founder of the existential school of psychiatry, attempted to apply philosophical ideas derived from Martin Heidegger, such as Heidegger's views on the mind-body problem, to the understanding and treatment of psychiatric patients. Binswanger also interpreted Heidegger's concept of the existing individual (Dasein) as Being-in-the-World, in the sense of seeking out the existential structure of individuals' lives. I discuss concrete clinical cases from Binswanger's work, along with a contemporary example of how to use these existential methods in psychiatric practice.

Publication types

  • Biography
  • Historical Article

MeSH terms

  • Existentialism / history*
  • History, 20th Century
  • Humans
  • Mental Disorders / therapy
  • Mind-Body Relations, Metaphysical*
  • Psychotherapy / history*
  • Self Concept
  • Switzerland

Personal name as subject

  • L Binswanger