The Existential Tribe featuring Sheba Boakye-Duah & Neresia Osbourne

The Psychosis of Existential Training: Towards an Inclusive and Equitable Therapeutic Practice for Young Therapists

Existential psychotherapy, a profound exploration of human existence, must transcend the constraints of a monolithic perspective on the Black experience in its training and practice. Historically framed through a predominantly Western lens, existentialism has marginalised non-Western narratives, perpetuating epistemological biases that undermine the richness of diverse existential realities. This submission challenges the misconceptions of irrelevance, fears of politicisation, resistance to expanding the canon, and the perceived universality of European existentialism. We argue for a critical understanding that restores existential practice as a universal therapeutic intervention, honouring Black existential narratives as essential to the philosophical and therapeutic discourse.

While foundational thinkers like Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Sartre, and de Beauvoir offer insights into freedom, choice, and meaning, their frameworks often exclude the lived experiences of marginalised communities. We propose integrating the perspectives of Black existentialist thinkers like Frantz Fanon, bell hooks, and Lewis Gordon, whose work highlights identity, systemic oppression, and cultural trauma. These perspectives enrich the existential framework, dismantling its Eurocentric bias and creating space for genuine engagement with race, culture, and existence.

Our presentation underscores the urgency of decolonising training curricula in predominantly white institutions (PWIs), where theoretical biases often dominate. We propose a model for diversity training that equips young existential therapists with cultural competence and anti-racist frameworks. By integrating intersectionality and culturally responsive approaches, therapists can better navigate diverse client experiences and promote equity in practice.

This dialogue seeks to dismantle the categorisation of the Black experience as a subset of Western existentialism, reframing it as an equally significant narrative. Reimagining existentialism through this lens ensures a more inclusive and equitable psychotherapeutic practice, affirming the universality and diversity of human existence.

About The Speakers

Sheba Boakye-Duah, DProf NSPC UK

Neresia Osbourne, DPsych NSPC UK

About The Existential Tribe + Existential Offerings

Existential Offerings was created by Dr Natalie Fraser to provide an ever-evolving collection of free and low-cost resources and events. These invite everyone, everywhere to explore the Big Questions in life.

This project offers people from all backgrounds the opportunity to look into global philosophies of existence from a more accessible, representative, and creative approach.

Free resources: www.existentialofferings.com

The Existential Tribe is the social element of this project, bringing people together from around the world to share and explore our curious journey of being a human in a historically and globally representative way.

LinkedIn Group: The Existential Tribe

Facebook Group: The Existential Tribe

The Global Existential Summits

These yearly summits bring together leading existential thinkers from around the globe to share wisdom and hope for humanity. Entry is absolutely free for everyone. Next summit January 2026.

For more information: www.existentialsummit.com

WHY THE FREE TICKETS?

Our Ethos with Money

At the heart of all Natalie Fraser's existential projects is the belief that these ideas can be incredibly empowering and important for people from any background.

Normally however, spaces to explore these big ideas are restricted to academic circles or expensive courses and events. This means that the majority of the population are left out, with philosophical communities suffering from elitism and a problematic lack of diversity.

In attempt to offer these fascinating perspectives about life with anyone who wishes to explore them, Natalie is committed to offering free or low-cost tickets so that everything she offers is as accessible and inclusive as possible.