Existential theorists speak of phenomenology, which refers to the client's internal personal experience of events, and ontology, which is

• A. the psychology of dreams
• B. the study of knowledge
• C. the philosophy of being and existing
• D. the science of behavior

Answer: (C)

Ontology in existential theory is the philosophy of being and existing. It asks about the nature of existence itself—what it means to exist, the kinds of beings we are, and how a person relates to their own life and freedom. Phenomenology, on the other hand, focuses on the client’s internal personal experience of events and how they live those experiences. So ontology isn’t about dreaming or knowledge or behavior; it’s about what it means to exist. In therapy, this helps clients explore questions of meaning, authenticity, and responsibility as they navigate their lives.