Yaqui Martinez
A Fresh Look at Personality Theories and Developmental Models
from an Existential-Phenomenological Perspective
An international online workshop delivered direct from Mexico City
over 4 half-days
Thur 24 & Fri 25 JULY and Thur 7 & Fri 8 AUGUST 2025
Dr Yaqui Martinez returns to us virtually in 2025 to deliver another workshop on
an existential-phenomenological perspective in his forensic and wonderfully relatable style
Introduction
Existential-phenomenological approaches to therapy have traditionally kept their distance from classic personality theories and developmental models— and with good reason. These models often risk narrowing our understanding of human beings by framing them in rigid, essentialist, or deterministic terms, the polar opposite of an existential-phenomenological approach. Yet, at some point in our careers, many of us have felt drawn to these theories, or certain elements of them – whether it was Erikson’s developmental model, attachment theory or personality frameworks such as the Enneagram. So, can we reclaim some value from them?
Workshop Overview
In this workshop, over 4 half-days, we’ll take a fresh look at some of these ideas. With an open, reflective spirit, we’ll explore whether anything in these traditions can be meaningfully integrated into an existential-phenomenological practice—or whether they are simply conceptual baggage that we’re better off shedding.
We will:
- Examine the historical reasons why existential-phenomenological approaches have remained cautious—or even resistant—toward classic psychological models and then open a space to explore whether that distance is still necessary
- Revisit key developmental models such as Erikson’s Stages of Development and John Bowlby’s Attachment Theory, acknowledging both their early influence and the tensions they present from an existential perspective
- Reflect on the appeal of personality typologies such as the Enneagram, examining their potential insights as well as the risk of the over-simplification of human experience
- Ask ourselves whether elements from these models can be integrated into a relational, embodied practice grounded in presence and openness – or whether they are best left behind
You will walk away with:
- A deeper understanding of why existential thinkers and practitioners have historically distanced themselves from developmental and personality models
- A more nuanced view of developmental and personality models such as Erikson’s stages of psycho-social development, Bowlby’s Attachment Theory and the Enneagram of Personality types
- Criteria for assessing whether a model or framework supports or hinders an existential-phenomenological practice, including creating a reflective space in which to refine your own therapeutic position
Who Should Attend:
Any psychotherapist or counsellor who is currently using (or who is interested in using) Existential-Phenomenological approaches and who is interested in finding out how they may or may not combine with developmental and personality models.
The Details
Dates: Thur 24 & Fri 25 JULY and Thur 7 & Fri 8 AUGUST 2025 (4 half-days)
Time: Please join at 8.45am to iron out any technical issues
Workshop: 9.00am to 12.30pm AEST ( break times will be accommodated)
Location: online via zoom (registrants will receive an invitation to participate and all the details they require in advance of the date)
Cost: $520 (flat rate in AUD)
CPD Hours: 12
note to registrants:
if you have registered for other CEP international events in 2025, the registration form will show checked boxes for those. Just check the box for this registration – you do not need to uncheck the others.
Yaqui Andres Martinez Robles, Ph.D is Honorary President of the Latin American Association of Existential Psychotherapy, CEO of the Circle of Studies in Existential Therapy at Mexico city and a member of the editorial board of the Journal of Existential Analysis. He is an Existential-Phenomenological Therapist, and has trained in Gestalt Therapy, Group Therapy, Music Therapy, Transpersonal Psychology and Holotropic Breathwork. Yaqui is the author of four books; Existential Philosophy for Therapists and others who are curious (2016), Existential Therapy Volume 1 (2016), and Existential Therapy Volume 2 (2017), Introduction to Existential Coaching (2018) and he has co-authored others. Yaqui has been published in many journals such as the Journal of Existential Analysis, International Gestalt Journal, the Journal of the Spanish Association of Gestalt Therapy, the International Journal of Psychotherapy, and others. He is an Honorary Member of the Peruvian Society of Phenomenological-Existential Psychotherapy.
“Dr. Yaqui Martinez is internationally recognised as one of the major teachers and practitioners of existential therapy in Latin America. Based in Mexico City, Mexico he is the founder of the Circulo Existencial which provides a certified training programme in existential therapy. Yaqui brings a novel and engaging perspective to existential therapy, emphasising its roots in a relational engagement with the world. Yaqui and I met several years now and I am honoured to know him both as a ‘fellow traveller’ in the wild world of existential therapy as well as a good friend. Always stimulating to hear, his talks combine wisdom with an easy-going warmth. I can’t imagine anyone not finding the time passed with Yaqui to be both instructive and enjoyable.”
Professor Ernesto Spinelli, London UK.