Existential psychotherapy is defined by Yalom as “a dynamic approach to therapy which focuses on concerns that are rooted in the individual’s existence.”
Dr. Hudson believes that at the root of many of our everyday concerns, such as burnout, depression, anxiety, and relationship problems, are four ultimate existential issues — meaninglessness, isolation, freedom and death. How we deal with these concerns is often a source of significant emotional conflict. While it is true that no one therapy works for everyone, Dr. Hudson feels that most of his clients do not suffer from a medical problem but are dealing with existential anxieties. For this reason he feels that for most existential psychotherapy offers the best principles for therapeutic practice.
Because of his diverse background by academic and practical, he is well equipped to work with patients using an existential approach. In addition to his qualification as a therapist and counselor, he has a background in philosophy, history, literature and politics gained though his studies at St.Johns College (MA Liberal Arts). As a physician for over thirty years he has worked in internal medicine, surgery, and plastic surgery and experienced the issues of life and death first hand. He has lived on both sides of the Atlantic and worked on many different social settings. He has learned first hand the joys and sorrows that life can bring.
Dr. Hudson has personally worked on his own self-growth, knowledge and individuation with over five years of personal therapy, mostly with Jungian analysts.
It is recognized that most therapists and counselors should undergo a period of self examination and therapy in order to better equip them for helping clients and avoiding the dangers of countertransference. Dr. Hudson feels that existential therapy provides one of the best ways to do this because its aim is greater self understanding not just in the therapy room but in life. He has a special interest in working with therapists and counselors interested in working on such issues.