Edited by Don Laird, Eric Maisel and Arnoldo Cantu’
Existential wellness is a contemporary idea and the “next step” in existential thinking. It invites human beings not only to mull over existential questions—about the purpose or purposes of life, about the nature of meaning, about one’s place in the universe, about the requirements of a personal, self-created philosophy of life—but to deeply embrace the facts of existence and to arrive at a place of relative serenity in a sea of anxiety. It invites us to not only think about life but to create a life that works, existentially speaking. Existential Wellness is the eighth Volume of the Ethics International Press Critical Psychology and Critical Psychiatry Series, with Don Laird serving as lead editor and contributor.
Amid an alarming surge in anxiety and depression, millions of Americans are searching for help, and coming up short. Looking for Help: The Mental Health Care Shortage, a powerful PBS documentary, uncovers the growing crisis in mental health care access. From overburdened systems to innovative new solutions, this eye-opening investigation explores what’s failing, what’s changing, and what it means for those still waiting for care.
In a time when traditional psychiatry falls short, this thought-provoking chapter offers a bold reimagining of mental health. Advocating for existential positive psychology, it explores how suffering, meaning, and integrative therapy can come together to form a more holistic, human-centered approach. Enlightening and essential, this must-read chapter challenges convention and invites a deeper understanding of what it truly means to heal.
In this heartfelt and deeply personal tribute, Don Laird honors the life and enduring legacy of his friend and colleague Dr. Paul T.P. Wong. Celebrated for his profound existential-spiritual contributions to psychology, this essay offers a moving exploration of Dr. Wong’s impact on the field, and on the countless lives he touched through his wisdom, compassion, and vision for human growth. A must-read for anyone inspired by the intersection of meaning, resilience, and personal transformation.
How can we transform suffering into a source of strength and purpose? This enlightening chapter delves into Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy and Paul Wong’s existential positive psychology, offering powerful frameworks for finding meaning in adversity. Thought-provoking and inspiring, it invites readers on a journey toward deeper understanding, resilience, and true human flourishing.
