Emmy van Deurzen, a Dutch-born existential therapist, has become a global phenomenon with her philosophical approach to therapy. Her new book, Beginning to Live: The Art of Existential Freedom, distills complex ideas into practical wisdom. In an interview, she shares her journey from studying philosophy in France to founding existential therapy centers in the UK.
From Anti-Psychiatry to Existential Therapy
Van Deurzen moved to the UK in 1977, inspired by RD Laing's anti-psychiatry movement. She worked at the Arbours Association, a therapeutic community where people in crisis lived with therapists as equals. However, she found that anti-psychiatry often left individuals without adequate support. 'It wasn't good enough,' she says. 'From that moment on, I knew I had to do it myself.' She established the first existential therapy center at Arbours.
What Is Existential Therapy?
'It is a philosophical approach to therapy and how to live your life in a better way,' Van Deurzen explains. 'It is about working with life, rather than just with the psyche.' The therapy draws on thinkers like Kierkegaard, Sartre, and de Beauvoir, as well as ancient traditions. Van Deurzen believes that human beings are natural philosophers, and therapy can help people cultivate meaning, courage, and freedom.
Personal Struggles and a Vocation
Growing up in postwar Holland, Van Deurzen faced hardship. After a devastating breakup at 15, she attempted suicide twice. This experience led her to help others. She studied philosophy in France and trained as a psychoanalyst. Later, she developed a Socratic method of dialogue with patients.
Depression as Oppression
Van Deurzen views depression as a form of oppression. 'When I sat with a depressed person, it felt like they were burdened, with no room to move. I started to think: they're oppressed.' She helps clients explore their pain and find new understanding, moving from victimhood to agency.
Therapy in Practice
Van Deurzen's sessions are deeply personal. Journalist Sophie McBain, who had a session with her, described it as 'one of the most profound encounters of my life.' Van Deurzen challenges clients to view their experiences differently, fostering courage and optimism. She advocates for a counter-cultural movement to reclaim freedom from modern therapy speak, which she says can be anti-therapeutic.
Bringing Wisdom Back
Van Deurzen calls for a return to wisdom in society. 'We need to bring wisdom back into the world,' she says. 'Thoughtful ways of living your life, understanding how to be in a community, and creating a civilisation that has a future.' Her work continues to inspire a global movement of existential therapists.
