[reprinted from 2003 Newsletter]
The last 6 months have been a vibrant period for EHI. On July 9th, 1999 we completed our last class of the ten week training course “Principles of Existential-Humanistic Psychotherapy.” In fitting style, Honorary Chair, James Bugental, had the final word in that class, and it was a riveting demonstration of his craft. By most accounts the training course was a rousing success, and at least eight of the thirteenstudents enrolled in the course expressed interest in ongoing EHI training. I wish to express my deepest appreciation to all those who both trained and taught with us this Spring, and to the EHI panel for their superlative oversight. The Fall training series also promises to be a rich and rewarding offering. Long time EHI advisor and seasoned scholar Dr. Bryan Wittine opens the series with “Meditation and Self Inquiry for Existential Therapists” and veteran existential-humanistic luminaries Bill Staudenmaier, Ph.D. and Bruce McBeath, Ph.D. cap off the series with “Existential-Contemplative Perspectives and the Integration of the Spiritual in Depth Psychotherapy” (see notices enclosed for further details). The Fall series is just the second round of a developing, ongoing program featuring case seminars and a variety of related courses. We will keep our members posted about future trainings in the Existential-Humanist and periodic mailings. We have also been working to upgrade our mailing list, membership enrollment, and office infrastructure. We are delighted, in this regard, to have acquired the services of Keith Auerbach, M.A. as our new student representative. Keith has many talents and interests in the existential-humanistic perspective, and has extensive administrative experience as a work-study student at the California Institute of Integral Studies. On a more somber note, our initial student representative and assistant newsletter editor, Jill Warburton, has had to step down from her position. Although Jill remains an enthusiastic supporter of EHI, she is “knee deep” in dissertation research, which precludes her from a more active role with us. We are deeply indebted to Jill for her support, generosity, and perceptiveness.
EHI has also just agreed to seek the services of Alan Klaum as our administrator. Alan, on his third career path as a psychologist, not only brings much sensitivity and understanding to our philosophical outlook of the theory and practice of existential psychotherapy, but brings some thirty years of experience as a banker and administrator to EHI. Alan is also the administrator of Pacific Institute and we are happy to note that because of this connection EHI will be able to keep administrative costs to a bare minimum.
Speaking about money. I am not sure if you all know about our financial and work reality. The panel members as well as our student representative are continuing to do our best for the development of EHI as we are working in our respective jobs. In addition to time, most of us are personally donating money to the actual operation of the Institute, notably to cover costs of mailings, newsletters, phone, office and administrative costs. It is a labor of love and spirit thus far and any support you feel you can give to our common cause to establish a first-class training center for existential-humanistic psychotherapy will be greatly appreciated and will also serve as a boost to us at the front.
On a final note, we would be grateful for any further support those of you in our community can offer, particularly regarding clerical assistance. We also urge you to submit articles to us for this publication. Speaking of articles, we are honored to include the following two commentaries in this issue. Dr. Roger Frie, an adjunct faculty member of the New School for Social Research and author of “Subjectivity and Intersubjectivity in Modern Philosophy and Psychoanalysis” (a highly commendable work in my view!) has written a response to Dr. Richard Wiseman”s evocative article “Moments of Therapy in Heidegger” from the Volume 3.1, Winter/Spring, 1999 Existential-Humanist, and Dr. Wiseman, in turn, has written a spirited reply to Roger”s article. We heartily welcome your feedback concerning these or other challenges of existence.
Kirk Schneider, President EHI
