Steen Halling

Seattle University, Psychology, Emeritus

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Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Seattle University. Areas of research include phenomenological research methods, psychology of forgiveness, hope and despair, and disillusionment, and understanding disturbed behavior. PhD from Duquesne University. Taught graduate and undergraduate courses at Seattle University since 1976.

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Omri Gillath

University of Kansas

Beat Signer

Vrije Universiteit Brussel

Martin Henson

University of Essex

Ana Peraica

Danube University Krems

David Pierre Leibovitz

Carleton University

Brian D Fisher

Simon Fraser University

David Seamon

Kansas State University

Remo Caponi

University of Cologne

Hamid R. Rabiee

Sharif University of Technology

Audrey L H van der Meer

Norwegian University of Science and Technology

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Papers by Steen Halling

Reflections on the tensions between openness and method in experientially oriented research and psychotherapy

European Journal Of Psychotherapy & Counselling, Apr 2, 2020

In this article, as a phenomenological psychologist, researcher, and professor I offer reflection... more In this article, as a phenomenological psychologist, researcher, and professor I offer reflections on the six articles that make up this special edition of the Journal. I respond to each in some detail, addressing issues around the challenges of using phenomenological methods, understanding them adequately, and the challenge of finding ways of studying phenomena systematically while also remaining retaining an attitude of humility about our capacity to arrive at understandings that do justice to the accounts of research participants. I have found that the most productive dialogues take place when there is a mixture of agreement and disagreement allowing for a clarification of one's own understanding and point of view as one takes into account and struggles with perspectives that that one had not previously encountered. This has very much been the case for me in this instance.

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Demystifying Psychopathology Understanding Disturbed Persons

Springer eBooks, 1989

Three basic questions are frequently asked in the context of psychiatry and psychology: What kind... more Three basic questions are frequently asked in the context of psychiatry and psychology: What kinds of behavior are judged to be abnormal, whether by professionals or lay persons? What are the various patterns or forms of disturbed behavior? How can one make sense of the apparently senseless or irrational behavior of disturbed persons? For existential-phenomenological psychology, which seeks to understand human existence on its own terms and to disclose the significance of behavior for the actor as well as the observer, the last question is the most fundamental and constitutes the major focus of this chapter.

Anti-Semitism and Analytical Psychology: Jung, Politics and Culture, written by Daniel Burston

Journal of Phenomenological Psychology, Dec 7, 2022

Interpersonal Relations and Transcendence

As I was beginning this chapter, I looked through some of the descriptions of transformations in ... more As I was beginning this chapter, I looked through some of the descriptions of transformations in relationships that I had collected over the years. One in particular caught my attention. It is a story with the same theme as those presented in the first chapter, but like any deeply human and personal story, it also stands by itself. Because it was written by a former student whom I have gotten to know quite well over the years, it is especially meaningful to me. As I use it to discuss the connection between the interpersonal and transcendence, I will also focus on two other stories from earlier chapters, one from Chapter 2, on disillusionment, and one from Chapter 3, on forgiveness.

Critique of the foundation of psychology

Journal of The History of The Behavioral Sciences, 1997

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Phenomenology as fidelity to phenomena: Moving beyond the Van Manen, Smith, and Zahavi debate

The Humanistic Psychologist, Jun 1, 2021

The New Generation of Diagnostic Manuals (Dsm-Iii, Dsm-Iii-r aNd Dsm-Iv) : an Overvi Ew an d a pHenomenologically Based Critique

Journal of Phenomenological Psychology, 1996

Given the extraordinary influence of the DSM-III and its successors, the DSM-III-R and the DSM-IV... more Given the extraordinary influence of the DSM-III and its successors, the DSM-III-R and the DSM-IV, it behooves humanistically oriented practitioners to appraise these new manuals most carefully. Toward this end, we discuss the goals that have guided the manuals' development and provide an overview of their basic structure. This is followed by a phenomenologically based critique, evaluating the claim that these manuals are "descriptive" and "atheoretical." We conclude with a discussion of five guiding principles for phenomenological diagnosis and assessment.

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Experiencing the Humanity of the Disturbed Person

Palgrave Macmillan US eBooks, 2008

Before I started writing this chapter, one of my colleagues asked me why I was including a discus... more Before I started writing this chapter, one of my colleagues asked me why I was including a discussion on the mentally ill in a book on interpersonal relations. It was a good question, and one for which I did not immediately have an answer. This is not, after all, a book on abnormal psychology. Yet I intuitively felt that this inclusion not only made sense but that it was critical. Accordingly, I begin this chapter by explaining why understanding people with psychiatric disturbances, in addition to being an important topic in its own right, has significant implications for ordinary human relations.

On Being Disillusioned by a Significant Other

When we are genuinely surprised by someone we know well, the surprise is likely to become a miles... more When we are genuinely surprised by someone we know well, the surprise is likely to become a milestone in the relationship with that person. In the previous chapter, we looked at the experience of coming to be present to the other “as if for the first time.” In this experience, we discover in a compelling and concrete way that the personhood of the other far exceeds the image we had of him or her. A deepening of the relationship characteristically follows.

Embodied inquiry: Phenomenological touchstones for research, psychotherapy and spirituality

Journal of Phenomenological Psychology, 2008

Human Science Research Studies

Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 2003

This bibliography lists human science research studies (articles, chapters, books, monographs), r... more This bibliography lists human science research studies (articles, chapters, books, monographs), research that is within the phenomenological and hermeneutical/interpretive traditions, broadly defined. This research is based on verbal or descriptive data (e.g., descriptions, interviews, and observations) and involves qualitative analysis or reflections on the data, analysis that aims to be faithful to the experiences or phenomena under investigation. Studies are listed alphabetically under the headings listed below. This information can also be found on the website http://www. artfulsoftware.com/humanscienceresearch.html (use your browser’s text search facility [Ctrl F] to look for a word in a title or for a proper name in a citation). At this point the website does not list theoretical material or material on how to do research. We would encourage others to start such sites, and of course we would be happy to provide links to them. Although some of the material here could be found using a standard search engine or PsychInfo, some of it would not show up readily with a standard search. In addition, this listing is interdisciplinary in that it draws from psychology, sociology, nursing/caring science, education, and other fields, and, of course, it is international in scope. You might also wish to visit the International Human Science Research Newsletter, the Simon Silverman Phenomenology Center, the Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology, Phenomenology on Line, and the Network for Research on Experiential Psychotherapies.

Teaching Phenomenology through Highlighting Experience

The Indo-Pacific Journal of Phenomenology, Sep 1, 2012

Based on the assumption that phenomenology is a style not just of thinking, but also of perceivin... more Based on the assumption that phenomenology is a style not just of thinking, but also of perceiving and acting, this paper shows how, through specific assignments and practices, phenomenological research can become personally as well as professionally meaningful for students. Disciplined practice helps students to attend to experience even though culturally and educationally ingrained habits devalue its importance. By working together in groups, the phenomenon under study is more likely to come alive for the student researchers, and articulating the core of an experience no longer to seem so daunting. The practice of phenomenology also helps students to recognize that slowing down and giving their full attention to experience is restorative, productive, and deeply satisfying. My understanding of phenomenology shapes my teaching.

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A Brief History of Existential - Phenomenological Psychiatry a n d pSychotherapy

Journal of Phenomenological Psychology, 1995

This article provides a historical overview of the Existential-Phenomenological tradition in psyc... more This article provides a historical overview of the Existential-Phenomenological tradition in psychiatry and psychotherapy, tracing its development from its origin in nineteenth and twentieth century philosophical thought, through its major European psychiatric proponents and schools, to its emergence as an influential approach in North America after World War II. The emphasis is on the implicit themes that provide continuity within this movement as well as on the distinctive contributions of individual thinkers. We conclude with a discussion of the present status and future prospects of this tradition.

Introduction: On the Disappearance and Appearance of Persons

To live is to live with other people. Typically, we assume that we understand the people who are ... more To live is to live with other people. Typically, we assume that we understand the people who are important to us, and especially those with whom we are intimate. But how well do we really know these people, be they our friends or lovers, family members or colleagues, enemies or allies? No doubt we have some awareness of their significance to us, and yet it is easy to lose sight of them as persons with their own lives. Also, recognizing people’s importance to us is by no means the same as understanding their point of view, knowing something of the world they inhabit, and appreciating what matters to them.

The Implications of Emanuel Levinas' Totality and Infinity for Therapy

Duquesne studies in phenomenological psychology, 1975

Surprised by the Other: Choice Points in Relationships

Research has shown that most individuals assume that t .1, have realistic perceptions of the sign... more Research has shown that most individuals assume that t .1, have realistic perceptions of the significant pe9p191in their, ' 1 ves, be they family, friends or adversaries. Howevet,'"under special circumstances, images of significant others may be shattered as they are seen "for the first time." A phenomenological analysis of 60 descriptions suggest that this-transformation occurs in one of four basic types of contexts. For example, persons may becom empathically err I

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Human Science Research as the Embodiment of Openness: Swimming Upstream in a Technological Culture

Journal of Phenomenological Psychology, 2001

The principle of openness is central to human science (e.g., phenomenological and hermeneutical) ... more The principle of openness is central to human science (e.g., phenomenological and hermeneutical) approaches to research where the researcher becomes closely involved with the phenomenon under study. This article addresses both the practical and theoretical challenges that confront the researcher who seeks to be open. It also clarifies the meaning of the concept of openness and considers its relationship to the ideal of objectivity. Openness, it is argued, is neither an enduring state nor a trait but requires an ongoing struggle and has different forms at various stages in the research process. Integral to this process is the experience of &amp;quot;being in the dark&amp;quot; which makes it especially difficult for the researcher to remain open. Various ways of managing this experience are presented.

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Seeing a Significant Other "As if for the First Time

Duquesne studies in phenomenological psychology, 1983

The experience of genuinely being seen by another person is one that we deeply long for. What cou... more The experience of genuinely being seen by another person is one that we deeply long for. What could be more wonderful than being recognized for who one really is by a lover, parent, or friend? And yet we are also keenly aware that becoming visible to another is risky. Think of a time when you were feeling vulnerable, ashamed, or even terrified at the prospect of being seen—even by someone who deeply cares about you, let alone someone who would judge you.

Psychology and the Eclipse of Forgiveness

Zeta Books, Jan 17, 2013

Review of Phenomenology and human science research today

The Humanistic Psychologist, 2012

Reflections on the tensions between openness and method in experientially oriented research and psychotherapy

European Journal Of Psychotherapy & Counselling, Apr 2, 2020

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Demystifying Psychopathology Understanding Disturbed Persons

Springer eBooks, 1989