We Are EA: Envisioning our Future of Dialogue and Praxis

This inaugural congress of the Existential Analysis Society of Canada represents an important milestone in the development of a community of Existential Analysis (EA) and Logotherapy in North America.  We are indeed in the process of becoming a community of practice, grounded in this theoretical framework.  Although the framework of EA is remarkably well-elaborated among existential therapies, models of training, practice, and research in EA remain relatively underdeveloped in North America compared to those of “mainstream” evidence-based therapies and research approaches.  This presents us with significant challenges and immense opportunities as we look toward our future.

Formation in EA prepares scholars and practitioners to stand for the real human person, across time, trends, and cultures.  This offers a deeply needed influence in our professional and cultural contexts.  To pursue a vital future of development in the EA community of Canada and globally requires intentionality, creativity, and collaboration.  In this talk, I will (a) offer reflections on what “makes us EA”, and (b) propose pathways for meaningful continued development in our community of dialogue and praxis.  Drawing on the dialogue groups from our own congress, these pathways include rigorous training and personal formation, development and innovation in clinical practice, creative applications of EA beyond psychotherapy, active collaboration with other groups, and dedicated engagement in research and publication. 

Dr. Janelle Kwee, PhD., R.Psych., is the Director of the MA Counselling Psychology program at Trinity Western University, a psychologist in private practice at Altus Psychological Services in Fort Langley, BC, and a trainer and board member with the Existential Analysis Society in Canada.