The Hellenic Group for Existential Psychology, "Gignesthai," was formed in 2004. Our aim was to pursue the application of existential ideas to psychotherapy and counseling. This aim emerged from our conviction that the basic existential questions and dilemmas are critically relevant to human existence.

Existentialism focuses on the basic "givens" of human existence:
• Each individual is a unique, distinctive, irreplaceable and unrepeatable being.
• Human existence is characterised by paradox and contradiction.
• Human beings are not only free to choose, but also capable of selecting, a personal stance towards the possibilities and limitations of life.
• The individual's freedom to create himself is inextricably linked with his responsibility for the choices he makes.
• The human responsibility for self-determination is unavoidable. This demands both will power and courage, because each choice indelibly defines the individual while also excluding everything that she has not chosen.
• The avoidance of personal choices is also a choice, but it is a stance that indicates lack of authenticity and "bad faith".
• Life has no inherent meaning. Human beings are therefore called upon to face up to this dilemma by giving personal meaning to their existence.
• The knowledge of death, when faced up to directly and courageously, can act as a catalyst for change, facilitating the ongoing process of authentically creating the individual's existence.

The Existential therapist's approach is based on several basic premises. The therapist:
• Creates an egalitarian relationship with clients which respects their world views and their capacity for autonomy.
• Avoids dogmatic theories and techniques, preferring instead to seek a deeper phenomenological understanding of the unique existence of each individual client.
• Approaches clients in an open and authentic manner, maintaining an honest and transparent personal stance towards them.
• Believes that there are no ready made answers to existential dilemmas.
• Explores clients' ways of being-in-the-world, being with others and their immediate "here and now" presence within the therapeutic setting.

"Gignesthai" currently offers:
• Seminars in the theory and applications of Existental Psychology
• Experiential workshops focussing on basic existential themes
• Therapy groups for self-awareness and personal devevelopment
• Supervision from an existential perspective for psychotherapists and trainee therapists, on an individual basis or in small groups.