Masters Thesis

Taoism and its implication for psychotherapy

This was a philosophical thesis concerned with two main tasks. On the one hand, concepts in the philosophy of Taoism are reviewed, interpreted and discussed. On the other hand, the process of psychotherapy with a Taoistic frame of reference is initiated and developed. The focus of this study was on Taoism; several concepts from the ancient philosophy of Tao are abstracted and investigated. The main goal of studying these Taoistic concepts was to see the possible implications Taoism might have for psychotherapy. Inasmuch as psychotherapy deals with human beings, an understanding of human nature is essential in the psychotherapist's orientation. Aside from the Western concept of man derived from the philosophy of the West, does Eastern philosophy, and particularly Taoism, have anything to contribute to the study of human nature or modern day psychology. This thesis was an introductory study on the Taoist conception of human nature and the implication this Taoistic framework would create for Western psychotherapy. Investigation revealed that Taoism did not only have contributions to make to Western psychology, but the fact that Taoistic philosophy provided for an integrative, holistic approach to human nature became an exciting by-product of this study.

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