Drawing from scientific research, clinical examples, existential and positive psychology, and their own personal stories of loss and sorrow, Daryl and Sara’s integrative model blends the rich depth of existential clinical approaches with the growth focus of strengths-based approaches.Through cutting edge-research and clinical case examples, they detail five “phases of suffering” and how to work with a client’s existential concerns at each phase to develop meaning. They also discuss how current research suggests to build a flourishing life, especially for those who have endured, and are enduring, suffering.
Daryl and Sara Van Tongeren show how those afflicted with suffering, while acknowledging the reality of their pain, can still choose to live with hope.
Daryl R. Van Tongeren, Ph.D., is an associate professor of psychology at Hope College in Holland, Michigan. A social psychologist, he has published over 160 scholarly articles and chapters on topics such as meaning in life, religion, virtues (including forgiveness and humility), relationships, and well-being. His research has been covered by numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, The Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, Huffington Post, NPR Affiliate Radio Stations, Scientific American, and Men’s Health. His research has been supported by numerous grants from the John Templeton Foundation to explore topics including humility, meaning in life, and religion and religious de-identification, and his research has won national and international awards. He received a 2016 Rising Star designation from the Association for Psychological Science (APS), and he was named a Fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion (ISSR) and a Fellow of the Midwestern Psychological Association (MPA). Currently, he is an associate editor for The Journal of Positive Psychology, and a consulting editor for Psychology of Religion and Spirituality and The Journal of Social Psychology. You can find out more about Daryl’s work at darylvantongeren.com.
Sara A. Showalter Van Tongeren, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Michigan and Virginia, and she is a graduate of the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work. Sara has more than 10 years of clinical social work experience in settings such as private practice, foster care, in-patient hospitals and outpatient medical clinics, domestic violence shelters, and behavioral health. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Currently, she works in a private practice in Holland, MI where she provides therapy to individuals, couples, and families, to help them cultivate a sense of meaning and develop narratives of resilience following trauma and unexpected life events. Sara specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Brainspotting, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy. You can find out more about Sara’s work at saravantongeren.com and follow her on Instagram @TheExistentialTherapist. Together, they authored the book, The Courage to Suffer, which is published by Templeton Press and available on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
MENTIONS
The Courage to Suffer – https://www.templetonpress.org/books/courage-suffer
Daryl’s website – https://www.darylvantongeren.com/
Sara’s website – saravantongeren.com
Sara’s Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/theexistentialtherapist/
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