Can I be a Homosexual Please? A Critique of Existential Deliberations on the Issue of Homosexuality and Their Significance for the Practice of Existential Psychotherapy (Report‪)‬

Introduction As existential psychotherapists we focus our attention on entering the client's world, to be there in the 'as-if' dimension whilst always retaining a mindfulness of being the other. Phenomenological enquiry, epoche and horizontalization help us grasp the relevance a client attaches to their experience of Dasein. A key aspect of this approach to therapy is the joining with our clients as they embark upon a search for meaning and seek fundamental truths about themselves, whilst finding the courage and fortitude to think independently about their life and make changes that reflect their own world view, and take account of the fundamental givens of their lives and of the world in which they live. The sanctity of the individual is fundamental and is at the heart of the work of Husserl, Kierkegaard and Nietzsche and indeed to a greater or lesser extent all subsequent existential philosophers, writers and practitioners. Prising psychotherapy away from the overarching dogmas of twentieth century psychoanalytic and behaviourist thought has characterised the development of existential psychotherapy and seen its status and popularity grow. Van Deurzen-Smith warns against dogmas that 'monopolise claims to the truth' and points to the need for courage to stand against 'the domineering attitude of some psychoanalysts and other consecrated psychotherapists' (1997:2).