PERSONALIZED THERAPY PATHS
Existential-Humanistic Therapy
Working with the immediate, affective, kinesthetic, and profound or cosmic
“One does not become fully human painlessly.”
— Rollo May, PhD
Existential-Humanistic Therapy is the philosophical and relational foundation of Chris's practice. Rooted in the traditions of existential philosophy and humanistic psychology — and developed in the American context through figures such as Rollo May, PhD; Carl Rogers, PhD; James Bugental, PhD; Irv Yalom, MD; and Kirk Schneider, PhD — EHT takes seriously the full dimensionality of human experience: freedom and responsibility, meaning and mortality, isolation and belonging, anxiety and vitality.
At the deepest level, EHT can grapple with the ontological. It takes psychological ideas and expands them out into the cosmos. That is, yes I may be anxious about this or that in my day-to-day life, but what does my anxiety say about my existence as a whole as a human? What is the role of having a limited amount of time to live, and yet having strong needs, desires, visions, goals, and a wish for purpose and meaningfulness?
EHT often resonates with folks who have spiritual leanings, as well as folks who are atheistic or agnostic but have a sense for asking the big questions.
EHT brings together two powerful perspectives. Existential therapy explores how we find meaning and purpose amid life's uncertainties — anxiety, loss, guilt, the awareness of our own freedom. Humanistic therapy emphasizes our innate potential for growth and self-actualization — contributing uniquely and ethically to society, and in a satisfying way.
Together, they proceed from a shared conviction: that every person has the capacity to grow when provided a genuinely attuned, supportive relationship. EHT asks two simple but searching questions: How am I presently living? And how am I willing to live?
“Adventure and awe are key to the perpetuation of vibrant, evolving lives.”
— Kirk Schneider, PhD
This is not a technique-driven approach. It is an encounter — one in which the quality of presence between client and therapist becomes itself the instrument of change. The heart of EHT is a warm, authentic, non-judgmental, and collaborative relationship. Within that relationship, deeper self-awareness becomes possible, and what has held you back can begin to be faced honestly. Over time, clients often find themselves more present, more aligned with their values, and more capable of making choices that shape a genuinely fulfilling life.
EHT is well suited for people grappling with questions of identity and purpose, navigating grief or life transitions, working through anxiety or depression, or seeking a form of counseling that engages the whole person rather than isolated symptoms. Research supports EHT's effectiveness for existential crises, life transitions, trauma, and the kind of anxiety and depression rooted in questions of meaning and authenticity. An important volume published by the American Psychological Association reviews the evidence-based foundations of EHT — examining presence, empathy, here-and-now engagement, and the therapeutic relationship as drivers of positive outcomes. Chris has co-authored a chapter in that volume.
In EHT, you are the author of your own story. The therapist is a guide and fellow traveler — accompanying you through life's uncertainties toward greater creativity, freedom, and authentic living.
Training & Credentials
Chris holds advanced training through the Existential-Humanistic Institute (EHI), where he also serves as an Affiliate Instructor.
Recommended Reading
Kirk Schneider, PhD
Irvin Yalom, MD
Rollo May, PhD
Scott Barry Kaufman, PhD
Other approaches
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing is key to Chris's practice, helping clients heal trauma by focusing on bodily sensations to release tension and support emotional healing.
Dream Work
Working with dreams as meaningful, useful expressions of the unconscious that track and support psychological growth.
EMDR
A structured, evidence-based approach to processing unresolved memories and reducing their distress in the present.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Structured, evidence-based tools for working with patterns of thought, behavior, and emotional regulation.
Motivational Interviewing
A collaborative, person-centered approach to exploring ambivalence and building readiness for change.
Areas of focus by approach
Existential-Humanistic Therapy
Existential-Humanistic therapy is central to Chris's practice, focusing on life's meaning, self-awareness, and existential concerns like freedom and authenticity.
EMDR
A structured, evidence-based approach to processing unresolved memories and reducing their distress in the present.
Somatic Experiencing
Somatic Experiencing is key to Chris's practice, helping clients heal trauma by focusing on bodily sensations to release tension and support emotional healing.
Dream Work
Working with dreams as meaningful, useful expressions of the unconscious that track and support psychological growth.
NEXT STEPS
Ready to Take the Next Step?
A new path on your journey for safety, growth, healing, creativity, purpose begins here. Dr. Bradshaw is here to support you. Making an appointment is easy and convenient.