Phenomenology in Psychotherapy

Source: Finn Janning

At its core, phenomenology is about describing experiences as they unfold without the influence of preconceived ideas. It echoes the German philosopher Edmund Husserl’s call to go “back to the things themselves”: those lived experiences often overlooked in everyday routines.

In psychotherapy, I think phenomenology is key to focusing on the client’s subjective experience. When therapists ask clients to describe how anxiety or grief manifests in their lives—as a lived experience—they engage in a phenomenological process. But this approach doesn’t just apply to the client. It also extends to the therapist, bringing attention to the interaction between both parties. Therapy becomes about the client’s experience and how the therapist experiences the therapeutic encounter.

What Remains Unseen

A central tenet of phenomenology is that what we see is always shaped by what remains unseen—unspoken emotions or unconscious assumptions. I find this fascinating, especially in therapy, where these invisible layers form the background of the therapist’s and the client’s experiences. The more a therapist can tune into these hidden dimensions, the deeper their understanding of the client’s world will be. Such an attunement can happen cognitively, affectively, existentially, and bodily. Maurice Merleau-Ponty highlights this connection between body and experience in The Phenomenology of Perception, saying, “The body is the vehicle of being in the world.” This means a therapist can tap into a deeper understanding of the client through their embodied presence.

Consider the transformative power of phenomenology in the context of grief. When a loved one passes away, it’s not just the individual who changes; the entire world shifts for the survivor. The absence of the loved one is deeply felt, reshaping the survivor’s relationship with everything. Phenomenology, in this instance, empowers therapists to gain a comprehensive understanding of the profound impact of the client’s loss experience. It’s not just about the emotional state but about recognizing the transformation of their lived reality. This understanding can be a powerful tool in the therapist's hands, enabling them to guide their clients through the process of grief with empathy and insight.

Philosopher Martin Heidegger reminds us in Being and Time that phenomenology isn’t focused on what something is but on how it reveals itself. This is especially relevant for therapists, as it encourages them to explore how thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations are interconnected in the client’s lifeworld. The less a therapist is bound by rigid frameworks or assumptions, the more open they can be to truly understanding their clients. For instance, a therapist might be tempted to assume that a client feels a certain way based on their body language. However, a phenomenological approach would encourage the therapist to ask the client directly about their feelings rather than making assumptions based on their own interpretation of the client’s body language. Bodily empathy and intersubjectivity have nothing to do with the therapist recollecting their own experiences, or worse, it has nothing to do with having to have experienced something oneself before being able to relate. On the contrary, it’s a vulnerable encounter where attention and radical openness inform the therapist about what is needed.

The word “phenomenology” comes from the Greek “phainomenon,” meaning “to show itself,” which perfectly captures what we do in therapy. We aim to bring experiences to light, especially those hidden or unexplored—both in the client’s narrative and the therapist’s reactions. When these unseen aspects are brought forward, both therapist and client can experience profound shifts in understanding.

Role of Attention

Attention, a key concept in phenomenology, is crucial in therapy. It sharpens our perception and helps us see the familiar in new, more meaningful ways. Expertise can sometimes lead to routine, but phenomenology encourages therapists to maintain a fresh, attentive gaze. In my experience, this openness ensures that my clients and I constantly explore new insights. By highlighting the role of attention in phenomenology, therapists can be reminded of the importance of being fully present in their sessions, which can lead to more meaningful and effective therapy.

Ultimately, phenomenology invites therapists to embrace humility. It reminds us to be open to the client’s vulnerability and our own. Acknowledging that we may not fully understand the client’s feelings can deepen our connection and allow for a more genuine, invested exploration of how meaning arises in therapy. By emphasizing the importance of humility in phenomenology, therapists can be encouraged to approach their clients with a sense of wonder and curiosity, fostering a more empathetic and connected therapeutic relationship.

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