Review

Bridging the gap between theory and practice with film: How to use fight club to teach existential counseling theory and techniques

¹*Katarzyna Peoples, Ph.D. and Stephanie Helsel, Ph.D.

¹Walden University
²Waynesburg University

*Corresponding Author's E-mail: peoples.kailla@yahoo.com

Accepted April 24, 2014
 

Abstract

Because of the philosophical concepts inherent in the theory, existential counseling is sometimes challenging to teach, counsellor educators can use film to help students understand, synthesize, and apply existential concepts. Constructivist teaching methods and experiential exercises give to students a structure that helps them understand existential concepts within the context of their own world views and how those concepts could operate in a therapeutic practice. By providing a detailed explanation of Fight Club, educators help students understand the philosophical groundwork of this theory in a concrete way. Specific activities are then used to help students apply the concepts with clients.

Keywords: Existential, Philosophy, Media, Theory, Counseling