Dr. Louis Hoffman
I was first introduced to existential during my graduate training in Southern California. At that time, I had never heard of existential therapy, but was intrigued when my roommate at the time convinced me to take an independent readings in existential psychotherapy. We were fortunate that one of the faculty members, Dr. Winston Gooden, was receptive to teaching such a course and had some background with existential therapy. Soon after that I began reading Yalom's 'Existential Psychotherapy'. Not long into the reading, I found this to be one of the most penetrating books I had ever read. I began tracking down and reading as much existential literature as I could find, becoming more convinced this was the direction I wanted to go with my career.
Soon after graduating I finally finished reading Ernest Becker's The Denial of Death, which further convinced me of my fit with this group of thinkers. Yet, I found that there weren't many existential therapists around, particularly in Southern Missouri, where I was currently living. So I accepted a teaching back position back in Southern California hoping to find some connections with other existential therapists. During my 2-years back in Southern California I was fortunate enough to meet, work with, and train from some of the most impressive contemporary figures in existential psychotherapy including James Bugental, Kirk Schneider, Stephen A. Diamond, and Myrtle Heery. Additionally, I had the opportunity to complete a certification in existential-humanistic therapy with James Bugental and Myrtle Heery.
I continued to read, teach, and write about existential therapy while in Southern California. Recently, I moved to Colorado to work at a school where Dr. Emory Cowan, a Saybrook Graduate and fan of existential therapy, began a small school with some colleagues. My hope now is to be a part of developing a quality, existential friendly training program at the University of the Rockies in Colorado Springs, CO . I also maintain a small private practice called The Center for Growth.
Original Version added 2005. Never been updated.