Abstract
This study explores the concept of directiveness and influence in an existentialphenomenological approach to counselling psychology practice, and represents an extension to a previous literature review on the topic (McAteer, 2004). Seven UKCP registered Existential Psychotherapists were interviewed face-to-face using an interview schedule developed from the previous review. Data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and reported as salient themes emerging from an interaction between participants’ perspectives and the researcher’s interpretative framework. One of the master themes that emerged from analysis was related to the participants’ positions as individual therapists rather than representing an overarching existential framework. Some common themes arose around participants’ beliefs about directiveness and non-directiveness in therapy, particularly in relation to ‘doing’ versus ‘being with’. There was also the recognition that directiveness was unavoidable and inconsistent. The point is put forward for a rethinking of the terms ‘directive’ and ‘non-directive’ as used in reference to therapies or therapists. The limitations of the generalisability of the findings are discussed in relation to categorisation and the importance of individual therapists, and some recommendations to counselling psychology practice are made with respect to this.