What We Do
The Existential Academy was founded in 1996 as a community interest (non-profit) company with the aim of bringing philosophy into everyday life. All of our courses are grounded in both philosophy and psychology, reflecting our motto: “bringing philosophy to the community.” We offer a wide range of accessible programmes, scheduled at times that are convenient for working individuals and families.
The Community Hub
At the heart of our work is the Community Hub, through which we deliver workshops, short courses, and support services designed to be inclusive and relevant to people from all walks of life. The Hub extends our founding vision by creating a welcoming space where philosophical reflection and psychological insight can directly support personal development, wellbeing, and meaningful dialogue.
The Existential Academy was founded by Professors Emmy van Deurzen and Digby Tantam, whose long-standing engagement with existential and phenomenological philosophy has shaped their commitment to exploring how we can make the most of life and living. In the same year, they established the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling (NSPC) to apply these philosophical foundations to the training of counselling psychologists and psychotherapists, and later to coaches, pastoral carers, and professionals working with diverse and, at times, marginalised communities.
In 1999, Dilemma Consultancy was founded as a sister organisation, providing psychotherapy services from the same premises, including a low-cost clinic. The Existential Academy draws on the expertise of staff from NSPC and Dilemma Consultancy, as well as a broad network of professionals affiliated with the existential approach. Together, they contribute to the Academy’s short courses and community programmes, serving both professionals and the wider London community.