The paradoxes of existence and psychotherapy: Rollo May and Kierkegaard

Abstract

The objective of this work is to present the concept of the paradox in the existential-humanist clinic, from Rollo May and Kierkegaard. When using the word dilemma in the title of his book Psychology and the human dilemma (1979), Rollo May (1909-1994) explains that he does not use it in a technical sense, but its use consists in referring to polarities and paradoxes who are inescapably human. However, even though the paradox is a fundamental part of human existence, we often try to escape from it by excessively developing one of the polarities to escape the other. Hence, many disorders arise that lead people to psychotherapeutic clinics and offices. However, the North American psychologist points out that polarities are also the source of human energy and creativity, as it is from the constructive confrontation of the tensions that the paradox produces that we become creative. The concept of paradox is fundamental in the thinking of the Danish philosopher Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855), from whom Rollo May is influenced, in this way, this article intends to affirm the importance of the paradox in human existence and in the existential-humanist clinic.