| This thesis examines the philosophical underpinnings of a phenomenological-existential theory of counseling developed by Martin Heidegger and Medard Boss known as daseinsanalysis. It then integrates this theory of counseling with the Eastern philosophy and religion of Taoism. The paper begins the discussion by distinguishing Boss's daseinsanalysis from Ludwig Binswanger's conception of a theory by the same name and distinguishing it from the existential-humanism of Jean-Paul Sartre. The paper then discusses the scientific-technological dimming of Being and the oblivion of Being followed by both inauthentic and authentic modes of Dasein. From there, the thesis develops the therapeutic elements of practice inherent in daseinsanalysis including phenomenological awareness, the existentials, anxiety and guilt, possibilities and freedom, and the phenomenological analysis of dreams. Next, the author integrates the theory of daseinsanalysis with the Eastern philosophy and religion of Taoism. This integration addresses the principles of Tao, Yin and Yang, wei-wu-wei, and p'u. The comparison reveals parallels along key philosophical points between Taoism and daseinsanalysis. These similarities provide the foundation for collaboration between the two complementary approaches. Further research could begin to describe the concrete benefits of such a dialogue. |
