Structural Existential Analysis

This innovative and inspiring new text provides a comprehensive guide to structural existential analysis: a research method that—as a stand-alone approach or in combination with other methods—can help to develop a deep, rich, and vivid understanding of participants’ lived-worlds. Philosophical foundations for the approach are clearly explained, with practical guidance and illustrations throughout to show their application. A valuable resource for qualitative researchers in the counselling and psychotherapy field and beyond.

Mick Cooper, Professor of Counselling Psychology, University of Roehampton, UK

Grounded in existential literature, theory and practice this timely book wonderfully articulates the qualitative research method of Structural Existential Analysis (SEA) where the key focus is on how people actually experience human existence. The application of SEA is beautifully articulated and how it can offer more depth and richness of meaning through the use of the Existential Research Dialogue (ERD). The authors describe SEA research as a passionate research enterprise, and they certainly articulate that passion as they both challenge and engage the reader to share in the essential quest for knowledge of the human condition. The book offers a significant opportunity to what the authors describe as therapist-researchers in facilitating a different and informed choice of qualitative research method.

Alistair McBeath, BPS Chartered Psychologist and Associate Fellow; he is also a UKCP registered Psychotherapist and Senior Lecturer on the DC Psych programme at the Metanoia Institute, UK, and co-author of Enjoying Research in Counselling and Psychotherapy.