Browsing by Author "Klaassen, Derrick W."

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    Reclaiming the Person in Counselling Psychology Research and Practice: An Existential- Analytical Approach
    (2019-10) Klaassen, Derrick W.; Launeanu, Mihaela; Kwee, Janelle L.; Konieczny, Kristin
    The specialization of counselling psychology offers a strength-oriented and holistic view of the person. While the person is of central concern for counselling psychology as a discipline, research and counselling practice can easily become problem-oriented rather than person- oriented. Consequently, the authors of this paper contend that maintaining a central focus on the person in counselling psychology practice needs to be specifically emphasized and cultivated. Toward this aim, the concept of personhood is elucidated from an existential- analytic theoretical perspective in order to provide a tangible framework for upholding a person- centered focus in counselling psychology practice. Drawing on this framework, the authors offer personal reflections on re-centering personhood in both research and clinical practice in counselling psychology.
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    Toward a More Generous Space for Grief: Advocating for the Bereaved
    (2019-10) Klaassen, Derrick W.; Bentum, Ben; Bartel, B. Tammy
    The loss of a loved one is an immensely painful experience that leaves many clients, and their helping professionals, struggling to know how to respond to the depth of their suffering. In western society, death is frequently avoided among community members and professionals alike, and grief has become increasingly understood as a disorder to be diagnosed and treated rather than a profound existential reality that requires personal accompaniment. The aim of this paper is to provide a critique of these dominant attitudes towards death and grief and to outline an alternative, existential approach. Drawing upon the model of grief accompaniment proposed by Existential Analysis, we describe the ways in which we can make space for grief in ourselves and our relationships by turning-toward our loss. Such an approach is not only accepting of a wide variety of responses to loss, but also encourages more authentic emotional engagements with our own suffering and other bereaved persons. This attitude and approach to grief is illustrated through four recent qualitative studies, which explore how individuals, families, and communities made space for grieving in their lives. These research examples give rise to suggestions for how professionals and lay communities alike may advocate for the bereaved by participating in the shaping of more generous personal and social spaces for grief.