Finally, at last, a therapeutic psychology that sees, honors, extolls, concentrates on the very best, the very highest qualities available to the human being. What counseling should be about -- developing strategies with patients to inwardly find the ever-present virtues, ideals, deep human longings, and bring them into the world in concrete and practical ways. Soul as action! - Robert Sardello
Partner, Pupil, Colleague, Co-Worker
- James Hillman
His books are Classics - Sharon Kaplan Roszia
He’s the Philosopher, Poet, Psychologist
we all want to be. - James L Gritter
What follows is a Theoretical Account of Redemptive Existential Counseling (REC), the Therapeutic Model I practice.
Overview and Historical Context
Redemptive Existential Counseling (REC) is a contemporary therapeutic model within the broader framework of existential analysis and therapy, distinguished by its integration of ancient philosophical principles and modern psychotherapeutic practices. A re-named Spiritual Existential Counseling (see my book with this title), REC draws on Pierre Hadot’s view of ancient philosophy as a spiritual life practice aimed at eudaemonia (flourishing) and Henri Ellenberger’s perspective that modern psychotherapy schools—such as Freudian, Jungian, Adlerian, and Existential—reprise ancient philosophical traditions. REC uniquely incorporates the original use of "existential" by Johan Sebastian Cammermeyer Welhaven, who in 1841 defined it as a "positive relation to concrete life," a concept later adapted by Søren Kierkegaard. This life-affirming foundation is enriched by Viktor Hugo’s literary themes of redemption, as seen in Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, linking REC with Romantic forbears, and the 1st Psalm’s metaphor of “bearing fruit,” symbolizing generative, outward-focused vitality. REC’s foundation is in the Humanities and the Liberal Arts.
Core Principles and Therapeutic Approach
REC is structured around five core principles: inherent dignity and potential, redemption through action, generative contribution (“bearing fruit”), compassionate presence, and spiritual-moral orientation. Unlike traditional existential therapies that focus primarily on confronting anxiety, absurdity, or freedom (e.g., Yalom’s existential psychotherapy), REC emphasizes transformation through ethical engagement and communal contribution, aligning with Welhaven’s optimistic existential stance. Its therapeutic goals—affirming dignity, fostering moral-spiritual growth, promoting creative flourishing, and cultivating higher purpose—echo the ancient pursuit of eudaemonia while addressing modern psychological needs. REC diverges from other existential models, such as Logotherapy’s focus on meaning (Frankl) or Daseinsanalysis’s phenomenological exploration (Boss), by prioritizing redemptive action and creative output as pathways to well-being, inspired by Hugo’s narratives and the Psalmic ideal of fruitful living.
Techniques and Applications
REC employs a blend of techniques that distinguish it within existential therapy. Therapists provide a compassionate, soulful presence, facilitating dialogue to uncover meaning, while using poetic interventions—metaphors, symbols, stories, Biblical and mythic amplifications—to inspire insight, a method reflecting Hugo’s literary influence. Moral reflection and ethical action guide clients toward redemptive steps (e.g., repairing relationships), while generative practices (e.g., community projects) operationalize the “bearing fruit” ethos. Spiritual exercises, such as Spiritual Reading, Prayer, meditation, visualization or contemplation, draw from ancient philosophy to align clients with their highest potential. Compared to other models—like Rollo May’s emphasis on creativity within anxiety or Emmy van Deurzen’s focus on existential givens—REC uniquely bridges personal healing with communal impact, making it particularly relevant for clients seeking purpose amid suffering, conflict confusion, despair, or moral disorientation in a postmodern context.
Contact Us
Redemptive Existential Counseling
Turley Law Center, 6440 N Central Expy, #313 Dallas, TX, USA
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