Encounter (psychology)

The term "encounter", in the context of existential-humanism (like existential therapy), has the specific meaning of an authentic, congruent meeting between individuals.

Examples

Some uses of the concept of encountering:

• Martin Buber frequently uses this term and associated ideas.
• Irvin Yalom in his book "Existential Psychotherapy".
• Carl Rogers, in encounter groups and person-centered psychotherapy.
• Jerzy Grotowski's notion of a "poor theatre" – "The core of the theatre is an encounter".
• R D Laing contrasts encounter with collusion in much of his work, especially Self and Others.