In this first episode of Becoming Existential, I’m joined by Dr. Kirk J. Schneider — psychologist, author, lecturer, and one of the most influential voices in contemporary existential–humanistic and existential–integrative psychology.
Kirk has written more than a dozen books, including Life-Enhancing Anxiety and The Spirituality of Awe, and has devoted his career to bringing existential ideas beyond the therapy room — into education, politics, and dialogue across divided communities.
Together, we explore the gift of presence, the paradox of anxiety as a life-enhancing force, and what it means to stay human in an age of AI, quick fixes, and polarization. We also talk about the training journey of therapists today, and Kirk offers grounded, compassionate advice for those entering the field.
This conversation challenged and inspired me — and it feels like the right way to begin this series about becoming a therapist, and becoming human.
00:00 – Introduction
01:00 – Kirk’s Childhood & Early Trauma
03:00 First Encounters with Therapy
07:10 – The Essence of Existential Therapy
11:00 How the Existential Approach Shapes Us Professionally & Personally
15:00 – On Presence as the Greatest Gift
18:00 – Family, Relationship & Parenting Reflections
20:00 Advice for Aspiring Therapists
24:00 Getting personal experience of therapy first
25:00 Learning therapy skills
27:00 How Existential Approach contributes to the world
30:00 – Anxiety as a Constructive Force
33:00 The Space for the dialogue
35:00 Existential Question for Society
39:00 The Danger of a Machine-Like Society
41:00 – Final Reflections & Existential Question for Society
Dr. Kirk J. Schneider, Ph.D., is a leading voice in contemporary existential-humanistic and existential-integrative psychology. A licensed psychologist, he is past editor of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology, adjunct faculty at Saybrook University and Teachers College, Columbia University, and president of the Existential-Humanistic Institute (EHI).
Dr. Schneider has authored or edited over a dozen influential books — including Awakening to Awe, Existential-Integrative Psychotherapy, The Polarized Mind, and his recent Life-Enhancing Anxiety: Key to a Sane World. His work has been translated into multiple languages and featured in outlets such as Scientific American, The New York Times, and Psychology Today.
He is a Fellow of five divisions of the American Psychological Association and recipient of the prestigious Rollo May Award for his pioneering contributions to humanistic psychology. Internationally recognized, Dr. Schneider has delivered keynote addresses at the World Congresses of Existential Therapy and the International Existential Psychology Conference in China.
At the heart of his work is the idea that awe and anxiety are central to living more fully, authentically, and humanely — both in therapy and in society at large.
Dr. Kirk J. Schneider
Existential-Humanistic Institute:
https://www.ehinstitute.org/
Social Media:
@kirk.schneider.908
@kschneider56
/ kirk-schneider-a526a661
Books by Kirk J. Schneider Ph.D.:
Life-Enhancing Anxiety, Awakening to Awe, Existential-Integrative Psychotherapy and more:
https://www.amazon.com/Kirk-J-Schneid…
Other links:
New Corps of Depth Healers website and Certificate Program:
https://www.corpsofdepthhealers.com
Latest Book: “Life-Enhancing Anxiety: Key to a Sane World”
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Enhancing…
New YouTube Channel-“Corps of Depth Healers” / @corpsofdepthhealers-ws9nq
About me:
I’m Max Karlin, a psychologist, counsellor, and trainee existential therapist at the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling, London. On this channel I share existential therapy insights, interviews, and reflections to explore how psychotherapy can help us live more authentically and meaningfully.
