Rollo May (1909 - 1994)

May is best known for his work on our struggles in living in the modern world. To successfully handle the trials of life, we must come face to face with such issues as anxiety, loneliness, choice and responsibility. Like the other existential therapists including Yalom and Bugental, he has argued that it is quot&;easierquot&; to avoid pain, choice and responsibility in our world than face them. Unfortunately, when we avoid the painful parts of our life we become alienated from the world, others and ourselves -- and as a consequence of our avoidance feel pain, anxiety and depression. In other words, facing life may involve short-term costs but long-term benefits.

Look here for a list of some of May's writings.

This page was written to support my Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy class. I take full responsibility for any errors that are present herein.

Page by jms
URL= http://psy1.clarion.edu/jms/may.html

Last modified July 20, 1998.