Structural Existential Analysis Diagrams

EMMY VAN DEURZEN
Diagrams for Structural
Existential Analysis (SEA)
Copyright: Emmy van Deurzen, 2019.

WHAT IS SEA?
*Structural Existential Analysis is a method for research and for
systematically tracking of clients’ or personal worldview, state of
mind, way of being and current position in the world.
*It is based on the work of many existential thinkers, including the
following:

EXISTENTIAL PHILOSOPHERS
Philosophers
of
Freedom
Phenomeno-
logists
Existentialists Post-
Structuralists
Existential-
Humanists
Sðren
Kierkegaard
1813-1855
Franz Brentano
1838-1917
Jean Paul
Sartre
1905-1980
Michel
Foucault
1926-1984
Martin Buber
1878-1965
Friedrich
Nietzsche
1844-1900
Edmund
Husserl
1859-1938
Maurice
Merleau Ponty
1908-1961
Emmanuel
Levinas
1905-1995
Paul Tillich
1886-1965
Arthur
Schopenhauer
1788-1860
Karl Jaspers
1883-1969
Simone de
Beauvoir
1908-1986
Paul Ricoeur
1913-2005
Rollo May
1909-1994
Fyodor
Dostoyevski
1821-1881
Martin
Heidegger
1889-1976
Gabriel Marcel
1889-1973
Jacques
Lacan
1901-1981
Hannah
Arendt
1906-1975
Karl Marx
1818-1883
Max Scheler
1874-1928
Albert Camus
1913-1960
Jacques
Derrida
1930-2004
Abraham
Maslow
1908-1970
Copyright: Emmy van Deurzen,
2019.

SEA Methods in practice
Many existential practitioners
have sought to establish
systematic ways of understanding
clients’ predicaments in a
structural and systematic way,
including the following:

Existential Practitioners
Early
psychiatrists
Humanistic
psychologists
British
alternative
Recent
Americans
Recent British
Ludwig
Binswanger
1881-1966
Paul Tillich
1886-1965
George Kelly
1905-1967
James
Bugental
1915-2008
Hans Cohn
1916-2004
Karl Jaspers
1883-1969
Carl Rogers
1902-1987
Aaron
Esterson
1923-1999
Thomas
Szasz
1920-2012
Freddie
Strasser
1924-2008
Eugene
Minkowski
1885-1972
Rollo May
1909-1994
Ronald
Laing
1927-1989
Irvin Yalom
1931-
Ernesto
Spinelli
1949-
Medard Boss
1904-1990
Viktor Frankl
1905-1997
David
Cooper
1931-1986
Kirk
Schneider
1956-
Emmy van
Deurzen
1951-Copyright: Emmy van Deurzen,
2019.

ORIGIN OF THE METHOD:
HUSSERL’S
PHENOMENOLOGY
It was Edmund Husserl who devised an alternative to the
positivistic stance of established scientific methods and who
showed how phenomenology was a more appropriate scientific
method to systematically and accurately observe and record
evidence in the human sciences.

Edmund Husserl
1859-1938
• Phenomenology
• Wesenschau: to things themselves.
• Intentionality (Franz Brentano).
• Intuition:question natural attitude.
• Knowledge begins with experience.
• Bracketing assumptions.
2019.

Assumptions and prejudice
• We are always making sense of the world,
we can never be free of our assumptions.
• In order to get a more accurate picture of the
world, we need to understand how we make
sense of it.
• By attending – just noticing, describing – not
explaining, and not pre-judging, we can get a
better idea of our assumptions.
• A phenomenological research project is a
disciplined investigation into reality as it is
experienced.
2019.

The Phenomenological Method consists of
several reductions
I. Phenomenological reduction
• In relation to the Noesis or cogitatio: the
process of consciousness
II. Eidetic reduction
• In relation to the Noema or cogitationes: the
objects of consciousness
III. Transcendental reduction
• In relation to the Cogito or Nous: the subject of
consciousnessCopyright: Emmy van Deurzen,
2019.

Intentionality is the basis of phenomenological understanding:
consciousness requires a subject, a process and an object. We cannot
understand anything without these three linked elements. But we can
understand each in their own right, separately to take awareness of our
intentionality in a systematic way.
• Cogito(subject):transcendental reduction
• Noesis, cogitatio (process):phenomenological
reduction
• Noema cogitationes (object):eidetic reduction
2019.

When interviewing as part of
therapy or research
• We apply the three reductions
systematically to our interaction and our
observations of this interaction, in order to
set aside prejudice, presumptions and
bias.
• We take care to be observant of bias in
both ourselves and others and to bracket
it.

I. Phenomenological reduction
1. Noesis, cogitatio or process of intentionality.
2. Epoche: suspend your assumptions about what is happening.
3. Description: invite narrative instead of explanation or
interpretation .
4. Horizontalization: be aware of the limit and context of our
observations.
5. Equalization: initially accord equal importance to everything in
sight.
6. Verification: don’t jump to conclusions but check again and
again that you are processing things correctly.
2019.

II. Eidetic Reduction
1. Noema, cogitationes: this is about the object of our
observation.
2. Abschattungen: each object comes to us in various
profiles, various adumbrations, facets or aspects. We
need to check we are not eliminating or ignoring some.
3. Wesenschau: we look for essences directly: aiming to
grasp what is really the case, rather than how it seems.
4. Genetic constitution (vs. static): bear in mind everything
is in movement and changes dynamically: we only really
know something when we see it changing.
5. Universals beyond the properties: ultimately we seek to
unite all aspects to come together in an infinite manner.
2019.

III. Transcendental reduction
– 1. Cogito or nous: this is the thinking self, the subject of
intentionality.
– 2. Transcendental ego: we seek to go beyond the personal ego
towards a pure observing ego.
– 3. Solipsism overcome: this unites us as we go beyond
ourselves and connect in intersubjectivity.
– 4. Horizon of intentionality: but there is still a limit to what we can
see from where we stand: know this limit.
– 5. Self as point zero: be aware your vision always comes from
the centre of your own world.
– 4. Transcendental inter-subjectivity: seek to connect your
perceptions with those of others: interactive checking of truth.
2019.

Work with bias is the essence of
phenomenological observation.
∀ Become aware of bias in lots of shapes and forms:
Personal outlook,
Assumptions,
Beliefs,
Prejudice,
Blind spots.
Both in yourself as researcher and
in co-researchers.
Bias is your edge: use it!
2019.

JOHARI WINDOW
KNOWN TO SELF NOT KNOWN TO SELF
KNOWN TO OTHERS
OPEN BLIND
NOT KNOWN TO
OTHERS HIDDEN UNKNOWN
2019.

2019.

A structural existential analysis uses the
phenomenological method to consider:
• The structure of the world in space, using
the four dimensions: physical, social,
personal and spiritual: four worlds model
• The structure of time: past, present, future
and eternity: dialectic of time
• The structure of intentionality, movement,
emotions and values: emotional compass
• The structure of beliefs and worldviews:
life diagram Copyright: Emmy van Deurzen, 2019.

Four relational layers
2019.

Four dimensions of life.
1.Physical: Umwelt
2.Social: Mitwelt
3.Personal: Eigenwelt
4.Spiritual: Uberwelt

Spiritual:
Integrate what has happened in world view
Improve rather than give up values, beliefs, purpose, meaning.
Stick with what is true but transcend values.
Personal:
Allow the event to strengthen your character
Express thoughts and memories. Regain a sense of freedom in relation to adversity.
Learn to yield as well as to be resolute.
Social:
Seek to go beyond hateful and destructive relations by isolation and avoidance till
Reconciliation is possible. Seek belonging with like minded allies.
Communicate your emotions without reproach, resentment, bitterness.
Physical:
Seek safety when under threat.
Trust and heed sensations of stress. Find natural environment that can soothe as
well as expand your horizons.
Living with conflict and trauma

Spiritual
Good<>Evil
Personal
Identity<>Freedom
Personal
Identity<>Freedom
Social
Love<>Hate
Social
Love<>Hate
Physical
Life<>Death

Desires Fears
Physical Life
pleasure
Death
pain
Social Love
belonging
Hate
isolation
Personal Identity
integrity
Freedom
disintegration
Spiritual Good
purpose
Evil
futility
Dimensions of Human Existence with their
inevitable paradoxes, tensions and dilemmas.

DESIRES FEARS VALUES
PHYSICAL life death vitality
SOCIAL love hate reciprocity
PERSONAL identity freedom integrity
SPIRITUAL good evil transparency
Human values are
rediscovered when both sides of
each polarity are respected.

Umwelt Mitwelt Eigenwelt Uberwelt
Physical
survival
Nature Things Body Cosmos
Social
affiliation
Public Others Ego Culture
Personal
identity
Private Me Self Consciousness
Spiritual
meaning
Infinite Ideas Spirit Conscience
Different dimensions of the four spheres of existence: human beings
relate on all 16 dimensions but tend to get caught up in some and
forget about others.

Overview of conflicts, challenges and paradoxes on four dimensions
World Umwelt Mitwelt Eigenwelt Uberwelt
Physical Nature:
Life/
Death
Things:
Pleasure/
Pain
Body:
Health/
Illness
Cosmos:
Harmony/
Chaos
Social Society:
Love/
Hate
Others:
Dominance/Su
bmission
Ego:
Acceptance/
Rejection
Culture:
Belonging/
Isolation
Personal Person:
Identity/Freedo
m
Me:
Perfection/
Imperfection
Self:
Integrity/
Disintegration
Consciousness:
Confidence/
Confusion
Spiritual: Infinite:
Good/
Evil
Ideas:
Truth/
Untruth
Spirit:
Meaning/
Futility
Conscience:
Right/
Wrong
2019.

World Umwelt Mitwelt Eigenwelt Uberwelt
Physical Nature:
Earth, Climate, weather,
seasons, animals, plants,
shelter, hygiene, sleep,
competence in facing a range
of dangers. Materiality, birth
and death. Sensory
experience
Things:
Care for objects, Crafts,
technology, arts, bodily
skills in handling
instruments, objects,
creativity, productivity
Body:
Self-care, movement,
comfort seeking,
toughening, strength,
appearance, sexuality,
health, food, drink,
elimination, hygiene,
sleep. Body sculpting
Cosmos:
Connectivity, patterns, solar
system, universe, death and birth,
creation myth, afterlife myth
Understanding place in universe;
deal with what is the case, in the
present. Now.
Social Society:
Human world. Public
demands of individual, laws,
rules, regulations,
administration, order, duties,
responsibility, abilities of
communication and language.
Others:
Respect, care of others,
love and hate,
dominance/submission,
competition, rivalry,
collaboration, mutuality,
generosity. Emotion.
Space.
Ego:
Strength of self
presentation and
representation, having a
voice, achieving
something for self and
others, assertion
Culture:
Past traditions established by
others, personal contribution to
culture, memes, things valued by
the group, belonging. Deal with
what humanity has established in
the past. History.
Personal Person:
Private world, Personal
sphere or hiding place of
safety, intimate reality,
sanctuary. Home. Managing
aloneness and autonomy
Me:
Feeling of mineness and
authentic right to exist, a
sense of inner reality,
individuality and anxiety
Self:
Authentic being,
personality, character,
selfhood, mastering
strengths and weakness
Thought, memory,
imagination
Consciousness:
Awareness, intentionality,
mindfulness, capacity for
contemplation and understanding
and knowing. Sciences, Deal with
what it is possible to imagine and
create. Future
Spiritual: Infinite:
Ultimate reality, the principles
Defining reality, ideology, the
divine, the unsayable. Making
sense of the world
Ideas:
The meanings and values
we attribute to life and the
world, concepts, beliefs,
principles to live by.
Capacity for doubt.
Spirit:
The spark of vitality or
life energy, the core
where we breathe:
connection with all that
is. Our essence or soul,
that what matters
Conscience:
Capacity of deciding, making
meaning, by distinguishing
between good and bad, right and
wrong, transcending ourselves,
transformation. Contemplation.
Creativity, Options, Freedom.Time
2019.

Dimension Positive
Purpose
Negative
Concern
Minimal Goal Optimal
Value
Physical: Health Illness Fitness Vitality
Pleasure Pain Safety Well Being
Strength Weakness Efficacy Ability
Life Death Survival Existence
Social Success Failure Skill Contribution
Belonging Isolation Kinship Loyalty
Acceptance Rejection Recognition Cooperation
Love Hate Respect Reciprocity
Personal Identity Confusion Individuality Integrity
Perfection Imperfection Achievement Excellence
Independence Dependency Autonomy Liberty
Confidence Doubt Poise Clarity
Spiritual Good Evil Responsibility Transparency
Truth Untruth Reality Authenticity
Meaning Absurdity Sense Value
2019.

Observe and register how words, narratives, attitude, emotion and
conduct express:
• State of mind, sensation, emotion,
thought, intuition
• By using the Compass of emotions.
• Register where the person is and where
they are moving
• What is the purpose they are after or
moving away from?

Four kinds of emotions
2019.

Threat to value:
pride, jealousy, anger
2019.

Loss of value
(despair, fear, sorrow):
2019.

Aspire to value:
desire, envy, shame
2019.

Gain value: hope, love, joy
2019.

1:Pride-confidence-arrogance1:Pride-confidence-arrogance
2:Jealousy-worry-vigilance2:Jealousy-worry-vigilance
3:Anger-hate-despair3:Anger-hate-despair
4:Fear-confusion-cowardice4:Fear-confusion-cowardice
5:Sorrow-misery-resignation5:Sorrow-misery-resignationShame-emptiness-guilt:7Shame-emptiness-guilt:7
Envy-curiosity-aspiration:8Envy-curiosity-aspiration:8
Hope-desire-resolve:9Hope-desire-resolve:9
Love-courage-commitment:10Love-courage-commitment:10
Joy-thrill-excitement:11Joy-thrill-excitement:11
6. Low/ Release6. Low/ Release
DespondencyDespondency
DepressionDepression
ExhilarationExhilaration
HappinessHappiness
12:High/12:High/
TensionTension
UpUp
gaingain
DownDown
lossloss

pridepride
jealousyjealousy
anger-anger-
despairdespair
fearfear
sorrowsorrowshameshame
envyenvy
hope-hope-
desiredesire
lovelove
joyjoy
SadnessSadness
LowLow
HappinessHappiness
HighHigh
AnxietyAnxiety
ExcitementExcitement
EngagementEngagement
DepressionDepression
DisappointmentDisappointment
DisengagementDisengagement
Compass of
emotions
2019.

GreedGreed
StinginessStinginess
FrustrationFrustration
DisgustDisgust
PainPainNeedNeed
CravingCraving
ExcitementExcitement
LustLust
PleasurePleasure
DeprivationDeprivation
EmptinessEmptiness
SatisfactionSatisfaction
FullnessFullness
GainGain
SurvivalSurvival
LossLoss
ThreatThreat
Compass of
Physical Sensation

CareCare
JealousyJealousy
AngerAnger
FearFear
RejectionRejectionShameShame
EnvyEnvy
ApprovalApproval
LoveLove
AcceptanceAcceptance
IsolationIsolation
SeparatenessSeparateness
BelongingBelonging
OnenessOneness
EngagementEngagement DisengagementDisengagement
Compass of Social
Feeling

SuperioritySuperiority
StubbornnessStubbornness
DefianceDefiance
DeflationDeflation
HumiliationHumiliationInferiorityInferiority
AnxietyAnxiety
CourageCourage
CommitmentCommitment
ConfidenceConfidence
ImperfectionImperfection
WeaknessWeakness
PerfectionPerfection
StrengthStrength
SuccessSuccess FailureFailure
Compass of
Personal Thinking

PridePride
PrudencePrudence
WrathWrath
ResignationResignation
DisillusionmentDisillusionmentGuiltGuilt
AspirationAspiration
HopeHope
ResolutenessResoluteness
BlissBliss
FutilityFutility
AbsurdityAbsurdity
MeaningMeaning
PurposePurpose
GoodGood EvilEvil
Compass of Spiritual
Intuition

Minkowski’s idea of time
Present
Remote
Past
Mediate
Past
Immediate
Past
Immediate
Future
Mediate
Future
Remote
Future
2019.

Time Zones
• Present: zone of activity, which includes all the other
zones of time
• Remote past: zone of the obsolete and of history,
including one’s own life myths
• Mediate past: zone of loss and regret
• Immediate past: zone of remorse or grief
• Immediate future: zone of expectation
• Mediate future: zone of wish and hope or dread and
anxiety.
• Remote future: zone of prayer and ethical action and
also of ultimate meaning of life.
2019.

Heidegger’s time: historicality: the ec-stasies
• 1. in the Past: as having been: forgetting
or regretting Gewesenheit but also: recollection,
repetition. No longer
• 2. In the Present: as being: waiting,
rushing Gegenwart, Dasein/Being-with/ Sorge
• 3. In the Future: as going toward, longing
or dreading Zukunft but also: anticipation and
possibility, Being toward Death. Not yet.
• 4. In Temporality: as Being eternal or
infinite Zeit und Sein/ Ereignis.

Dialectic of
time
Deurzen and Arnold-Baker 2018
@Emmy van Deurzen 2019

Difficulties on four dimensions
physicalphysical socialsocial personalpersonal spiritualspiritual
DeficitDeficit DifferenceDifference DilemmaDilemma DisorientationDisorientation
DiseaseDisease DiscordDiscord DeceptionDeception
(self)(self)
DelusionDelusion
DesireDesire DominanceDominance DisappointmentDisappointment DoubtDoubt
DependenceDependence DishonestyDishonesty DreadDread DebtDebt
Dis-Dis-
embodimentembodiment
Dis-Dis-
engagementengagement
DespondencyDespondency DissolutionDissolution
DeathDeath DestructionDestruction DistressDistress DespairDespair
2019.

Structural Existential Analysis Diagrams

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

What's hot

What's hot (20)

Similar to Structural Existential Analysis Diagrams

Similar to Structural Existential Analysis Diagrams (20)

More from Emmy van Deurzen

More from Emmy van Deurzen (9)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Structural Existential Analysis Diagrams