Becoming Existential
Becoming Existential is a podcast that explores the journey of becoming a therapist and what it reveals about the human condition. Hosted by Max Karlin, a trainee existential therapist at the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling in London, the show features conversations with peers and leading figures in existential therapy. It delves into fundamental questions of freedom, meaning, finitude, and relationship, emphasizing the courage to face uncertainty rather than offering quick fixes or techniques.
Episodes
Therapy Is Alchemy - Paulo Ribeiro on Blindness, Embodiment and Presence
Paulo Ribeiro lost his sight after a near-death experience and discovered a new way of seeing. On embodiment, alchemy, and presence.What happens when a therapist can't see their client?Paulo Ribeiro is an existential psychotherapist and senior clinical supervisor at Headstrong Counselling in London. He holds a BA in Social Communication, an MA in Integrative Psychotherapy, and is completing an
Presence Over Technique: An Existential Dialogue with Paola Pomponi
In this conversation with Paola Pomponi, we explore what existential therapy really means — not just as a theory, but as a way of being with others.We talk about therapist training, authenticity, absurdity, everyday existential encounters, and why humor may be one of the deepest forms of connection.Paola reflects on what first drew her into existential therapy, including the impact of reading Irvi
Ernesto Spinelli: What Is Therapy Really For?
Professor Ernesto Spinelli - one of the founders of the existential psychotherapy in the UK, author of foundational texts including The Interpreted World and Practising Existential Therapy, and one of the most influential voices in the field globally.WE DISCUSS:[02:00] "An old man with a young mind" — Ernesto on aging and unfinished projects[05:00] How he "fell into" existentia
Bound and Free - Claire Arnold-Baker on Paradox, Responsibility & Existential Therapy
In this episode of Becoming Existential, I sit down with Dr Claire Arnold-Baker — Principal of the New School of Psychotherapy & Counselling (NSPC), existential psychotherapist, psychologist, researcher and current Chair of the Federation for Existential Therapy in Europe (FETE).Claire is one of the course leaders on my training programme and someone whose clinical, academic and organisational
Persefoni Kaltaki on Learning, Changing and the Path Toward Practice
What happens when the path you’ve followed your whole life suddenly stops making sense?What does it really take — emotionally, personally, existentially — to become a therapist?In this intimate and reflective conversation, I sit with my peer and fellow trainee Persefoni Kaltaki, with whom I began my journey at the New School for Psychotherapy and Counselling. Together, we speak openly about the em
The Gift of Presence with Kirk Schneider, PhD
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 beyon
