Kirk J. Schneider
Encyclopedia
Kirk J. Schneider, PhD is a psychologist
and psychotherapist who has taken a leading role in the advancement of existential-humanistic therapy , and existential-integrative therapy. His major books are Existential-Humanistic Therapy (2010), Existential-Integrative Therapy (2008), The Handbook of Humanistic Psychology (with James Bugental
and Fraser Pierson) (2001), The Psychology of Existence (with Rollo May
)(1995), Rediscovery of Awe (2004), and Awakening to Awe (2009).
He worked closely with existential
and humanistic psychology
pioneer Rollo May
, and in 2004, was himself the recipient of the Rollo May Award from Division 32 of the American Psychological Association
for “outstanding and independent pursuit of new frontiers in humanistic psychology.” He has been integral in fostering global dialogs surrounding existential themes in psychology, and in April 2010, he delivered the opening keynote address at the First (East-West) International Existential Psychology Conference in Nanjing
, China
. He is also a Fellow of three Divisions of the American Psychological Association
(Humanistic
, Clinical
, and Independent Practice) and has published over 100 articles and chapters and has authored or edited eight books. He is currently vice-president of the Existential-Humanistic Institute (EHI), adjunct faculty at Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center
, the California Institute of Integral Studies
, and the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology, and contributor to Psychology Today
.
, Schneider expanded the traditional focus of existential therapy on depth exploration to include other, more mainstream treatment modalities. By the same token, he broadened mainstream treatment modalities with the ever-present availability of depth exploration. Existential-Integrative therapy is a "deeply relational approach which uses a range of therapeutic concepts and strategies to help clients engage more fully with their experiencing".
With Rediscovery of Awe and Awakening to Awe, Schneider drew upon the rich heritage of existential-spiritual philosophy as elaborated by such thinkers as Paul Tillich
, Martin Buber
, Abraham Heschel, Soren Kierkegaard, and William James
as well as his own clinical and personal observations to cultivate an "awe-based" approach to psychology and life. By "awe-based," Schneider means the sense of humility and wonder or adventure one experiences simply by living. While the sense of awe may be inherent to living it also must be cultivated periodically, lest it be crushed by our "quick fix," efficiency oriented culture; or by political or religious dogma
. In Rediscovery of Awe, Schneider set forth the principles of an awe-based psychology as well as applications of those principles to concrete spheres of life, such as the educational setting, the work setting, and the ethical-spiritual setting. In "Awakening to Awe," Schneider focused specifically on how the sense of awe
radically transformed seven lives. Among the people he investigated were a former gang member who became a gang mediator, an ex drug addict who became a case worker and Yoga
instructor, and a survivor of stage-three cancer. Finally, in Existential-Integrative Psychotherapy, Schneider showed how the humility and wonder cultivated in good therapy can inspire the humility and wonder, or, in short awe, that can be nurtured outside of good therapy.
(Reprinted in paperback, August, 2002).
http://www.psychologytoday.com/search/query?keys=kirk+schneider&x=0&y=0
May, R. (2007). (Speaker). Rollo May on existential psychotherapy. [DVD.]
Psychotherapy.net (Available online at http://www.psychotherapy.net), San Francisco, CA. Interviewed by Kirk Schneider, John Galvin, and Ilene Serlin.
Schneider, K.J. (2008, December). The Mystery of Being. TV Ontario Big Ideas Series.
[Available at youtube.com]
Schneider, K.J. (2009). Existential-Humanistic Therapy. . American Psychological Association Video Series: Psychotherapy Over Time [6 session format]. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. (Available at www.apa.org/videos).
Psychologist
Psychologist is a professional or academic title used by individuals who are either:* Clinical professionals who work with patients in a variety of therapeutic contexts .* Scientists conducting psychological research or teaching psychology in a college...
and psychotherapist who has taken a leading role in the advancement of existential-humanistic therapy , and existential-integrative therapy. His major books are Existential-Humanistic Therapy (2010), Existential-Integrative Therapy (2008), The Handbook of Humanistic Psychology (with James Bugental
James Bugental
James Frederick Taylor Bugental was one of the predominant theorists and advocates of the Existential-Humanistic Therapy movement. He was a therapist, teacher and writer for over 50 years. He received his Ph.D...
and Fraser Pierson) (2001), The Psychology of Existence (with Rollo May
Rollo May
Rollo May was an American existential psychologist. He authored the influential book Love and Will during 1969. He is often associated with both humanistic psychology and existentialist philosophy. May was a close friend of the theologian Paul Tillich...
)(1995), Rediscovery of Awe (2004), and Awakening to Awe (2009).
He worked closely with existential
Existential therapy
Existential psychotherapy is a philosophical method of therapy that operates on the belief that inner conflict within a person is due to that individual's confrontation with the givens of existence. These givens, as noted by Irvin D...
and humanistic psychology
Humanistic psychology
Humanistic psychology is a psychological perspective which rose to prominence in the mid-20th century, drawing on the work of early pioneers like Carl Rogers and the philosophies of existentialism and phenomenology...
pioneer Rollo May
Rollo May
Rollo May was an American existential psychologist. He authored the influential book Love and Will during 1969. He is often associated with both humanistic psychology and existentialist philosophy. May was a close friend of the theologian Paul Tillich...
, and in 2004, was himself the recipient of the Rollo May Award from Division 32 of the American Psychological Association
American Psychological Association
The American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United States. It is the world's largest association of psychologists with around 154,000 members including scientists, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. The APA...
for “outstanding and independent pursuit of new frontiers in humanistic psychology.” He has been integral in fostering global dialogs surrounding existential themes in psychology, and in April 2010, he delivered the opening keynote address at the First (East-West) International Existential Psychology Conference in Nanjing
Nanjing
' is the capital of Jiangsu province in China and has a prominent place in Chinese history and culture, having been the capital of China on several occasions...
, China
China
Chinese civilization may refer to:* China for more general discussion of the country.* Chinese culture* Greater China, the transnational community of ethnic Chinese.* History of China* Sinosphere, the area historically affected by Chinese culture...
. He is also a Fellow of three Divisions of the American Psychological Association
American Psychological Association
The American Psychological Association is the largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United States. It is the world's largest association of psychologists with around 154,000 members including scientists, educators, clinicians, consultants and students. The APA...
(Humanistic
Humanistic psychology
Humanistic psychology is a psychological perspective which rose to prominence in the mid-20th century, drawing on the work of early pioneers like Carl Rogers and the philosophies of existentialism and phenomenology...
, Clinical
Clinical psychology
Clinical psychology is an integration of science, theory and clinical knowledge for the purpose of understanding, preventing, and relieving psychologically-based distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective well-being and personal development...
, and Independent Practice) and has published over 100 articles and chapters and has authored or edited eight books. He is currently vice-president of the Existential-Humanistic Institute (EHI), adjunct faculty at Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center
Saybrook Graduate School and Research Center
Saybrook University, a San Francisco, California based 'distance learning' institution , is geared to providing a personalized, mentored educational experience for graduate students...
, the California Institute of Integral Studies
California Institute of Integral Studies
California Institute of Integral Studies is a private institution of higher education founded in 1968 and based in San Francisco, California. It currently operates in three locations just south of the Civic Center district...
, and the Institute for Transpersonal Psychology, and contributor to Psychology Today
Psychology Today
Psychology Today is a bi-monthly magazine published in the United States. It is a psychology-based magazine about relationships, health, and related topics written for a mass audience of non-psychologists. Psychology Today was founded in 1967 and features articles on such topics as love,...
.
Summary of Main Works
With the advent of Existential-Integrative PsychotherapyPsychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a general term referring to any form of therapeutic interaction or treatment contracted between a trained professional and a client or patient; family, couple or group...
, Schneider expanded the traditional focus of existential therapy on depth exploration to include other, more mainstream treatment modalities. By the same token, he broadened mainstream treatment modalities with the ever-present availability of depth exploration. Existential-Integrative therapy is a "deeply relational approach which uses a range of therapeutic concepts and strategies to help clients engage more fully with their experiencing".
With Rediscovery of Awe and Awakening to Awe, Schneider drew upon the rich heritage of existential-spiritual philosophy as elaborated by such thinkers as Paul Tillich
Paul Tillich
Paul Johannes Tillich was a German-American theologian and Christian existentialist philosopher. Tillich was one of the most influential Protestant theologians of the 20th century...
, Martin Buber
Martin Buber
Martin Buber was an Austrian-born Jewish philosopher best known for his philosophy of dialogue, a form of religious existentialism centered on the distinction between the I-Thou relationship and the I-It relationship....
, Abraham Heschel, Soren Kierkegaard, and William James
William James
William James was a pioneering American psychologist and philosopher who was trained as a physician. He wrote influential books on the young science of psychology, educational psychology, psychology of religious experience and mysticism, and on the philosophy of pragmatism...
as well as his own clinical and personal observations to cultivate an "awe-based" approach to psychology and life. By "awe-based," Schneider means the sense of humility and wonder or adventure one experiences simply by living. While the sense of awe may be inherent to living it also must be cultivated periodically, lest it be crushed by our "quick fix," efficiency oriented culture; or by political or religious dogma
Dogma
Dogma is the established belief or doctrine held by a religion, or a particular group or organization. It is authoritative and not to be disputed, doubted, or diverged from, by the practitioners or believers...
. In Rediscovery of Awe, Schneider set forth the principles of an awe-based psychology as well as applications of those principles to concrete spheres of life, such as the educational setting, the work setting, and the ethical-spiritual setting. In "Awakening to Awe," Schneider focused specifically on how the sense of awe
Awe
Awe is an emotion comparable to wonder but less joyous, and more fearful or respectful. Awe is defined in Robert Plutchik's Wheel of emotions as a combination of surprise and fear...
radically transformed seven lives. Among the people he investigated were a former gang member who became a gang mediator, an ex drug addict who became a case worker and Yoga
Yoga
Yoga is a physical, mental, and spiritual discipline, originating in ancient India. The goal of yoga, or of the person practicing yoga, is the attainment of a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquility while meditating on Supersoul...
instructor, and a survivor of stage-three cancer. Finally, in Existential-Integrative Psychotherapy, Schneider showed how the humility and wonder cultivated in good therapy can inspire the humility and wonder, or, in short awe, that can be nurtured outside of good therapy.
Books
- Schneider, K.J. (1990/1999, 2nd paperback ed.). The paradoxical self: Toward an understanding of our contradictory nature. Buffalo, NY: Prometheus Press/ Humanity Books. (Originally published by Plenum/Insight.) [Translated into Portuguese and Slovakian; currently being translated into Chinese Short Form]. [All books to follow are currently being translated into Chinese Short Form]
- Schneider, K.J. (1993). Horror and the holy: Wisdom-teachings of the monster tale. Chicago: Open Court.
- Schneider, K.J., & May, R. (1995). The psychology of existence: An integrative, clinical perspective. New York: McGraw-Hill. [Translated in 2010 into Chinese Short Form, Chinese People’s University Press]
- Schneider, K.J., Bugental, J.F.T., & Pierson, J.F. (2001). The handbook of humanistic psychology: Leading edges in theory, research, and practice. Thousand Oaks: Sage.
(Reprinted in paperback, August, 2002).
- Schneider, K.J. (2004). Rediscovery of awe: Splendor, mystery, and the fluid center of life. St. Paul, MN: Paragon House.
- Schneider, K.J. (2008). Existential-integrative psychotherapy: Guideposts to the core of practice. New York: Routledge.
- Schneider, K.J. (2009). Awakening to Awe: Personal stories of profound transformation. Lanham, MD: Jason Aronson.
- Schneider, K.J., & Krug, O.T. (2010). Existential-Humanistic Therapy. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association Press (Theories of Psychotherapy Series).
Magazine Articles
- Price, M. (2011, November). Searching for Meaning. Monitor on Psychology. American Psychological Association. http://www.apa.org/monitor/2011/11/meaning.aspx.
- Schneider, K.J. (2003, July/August). Enchanted agnosticism. Tikkun Magazine, 39-41.
- Schneider, K.J. (2005,September). Through the lens of awe. Spirituality and health.
- Schneider, K.J. (2005, September–November). Awe-based Learning. Institute for Noetic Sciences Shift Magazine.
- Schneider, K.J. (2008, January–February). Awe-based work. Tikkun Magazine, 20-21.
- Schneider, K.J. (2009, November–December). The awe-based challenge to positive psychology. Tikkun Magazine, 30-32, 73.
- Schneider, K.J. (2010, Sept.). The case for existential therapy. Psychology Today. Online at http://www.psychologytoday.com/search/query?keys=kirk+schneider&x=0&y=0
- Schneider, K.J. (2010, December). Toward a humanistic positive psychology. Psychology Today. Online at
http://www.psychologytoday.com/search/query?keys=kirk+schneider&x=0&y=0
- Schneider, K.J. (2011, Winter). 25th Anniversary Commentary. Tikkun Magazine, online at tikkun.org.
Online and Media Resources
Schneider, K.J. (2006). Existential Psychotherapy. American Psychological Association Video Series: Systems of Psychotherapy I. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. (Available at www.apa.org/videos).May, R. (2007). (Speaker). Rollo May on existential psychotherapy. [DVD.]
Psychotherapy.net (Available online at http://www.psychotherapy.net), San Francisco, CA. Interviewed by Kirk Schneider, John Galvin, and Ilene Serlin.
Schneider, K.J. (2008, December). The Mystery of Being. TV Ontario Big Ideas Series.
[Available at youtube.com]
Schneider, K.J. (2009). Existential-Humanistic Therapy. . American Psychological Association Video Series: Psychotherapy Over Time [6 session format]. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. (Available at www.apa.org/videos).
External links
- http://www.kirkjschneider.com