Abstract

This paper is a result of trying to understand competing ideologies: cognitive science and existentialism. My role as a cognitive behavioural therapist has allowed me to reflect on clinical cases and the nature of thinking. Cognitive behavioural theory and the effects of psychotropic medication are explored in terms of neural networks. However, does this reductionist viewpoint take away from ‘being human’? It is suggested that by accepting the role of neural networks as the main factor in explaining our beliefs and ultimately our behaviours, existential anxiety or the distress from searching for meaning can be reduced. People can learn to be in the world in the here and now and if necessary adopt aspects of cognitive behavioural therapy such as mindfulness and acceptance as a means of regulating their difficulties.