The term "encounter", in the context of existential-humanism (like
existential therapy
Existential therapy is a form of psychotherapy based on the model of human nature and experience developed by the existential tradition of European philosophy. It focuses on the psychological experience revolving around universal human truths of ...
), has the specific meaning of an authentic,
congruent meeting between individuals.
Examples
Some uses of the concept of encountering:
*
Jacob L. Moreno ''Invitations to an Encounter'', 1914
*
Martin Buber
Martin Buber (; , ; ; 8 February 1878 – 13 June 1965) was an Austrian-Israeli philosopher best known for his philosophy of dialogue, a form of existentialism centered on the distinction between the I and Thou, I–Thou relationship and the I� ...
frequently uses this term and associated ideas.
*
Irvin Yalom in his book "Existential Psychotherapy".
*
Carl Rogers
Carl Ransom Rogers (January 8, 1902 – February 4, 1987) was an American psychologist who was one of the founders of humanistic psychology and was known especially for his person-centered psychotherapy. Rogers is widely considered one of the f ...
, in
encounter groups and
person-centered psychotherapy.
*
Jerzy Grotowski's notion of a "poor theatre" – "The core of the theatre is an encounter".
*
R. D. Laing contrasts encounter with
collusion
Collusion is a deceitful agreement or secret cooperation between two or more parties to limit open competition by deceiving, misleading or defrauding others of their legal right. Collusion is not always considered illegal. It can be used to att ...
in much of his work, especially ''
Self and Others''.
Existentialist concepts
Existential therapy
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