Why am I here?
What is my purpose?
How do I live a good life?
By integrating philosophy into the work of therapy, existential psychotherapy can help you explore and find comfort within these big questions. Many of us need the sense of “why” get better before they can really commit to the “how.” Existential therapy respects that our individual wellbeing is challenged by the context of the world we’re in, and the peace we need to make with issues like isolation, death, responsibility, and the need to create meaning in our lives.
Existential themes can come up in almost any time of life, but are especially common in issues like depression and suicidality, trauma, grief work, and substance use. If you’re someone who wonders about life, the universe, and everything, existential therapy might help you deal with your issues in a way that works for you.
The ability to make choices that align with one's values and aspirations.
For a quick and easy read to understand more about existential therapy, check out my blog post “WTF is existential therapy?”
What even is existential therapy?
Existential therapy focuses on exploring and understanding the fundamental nature and meaning of human existence. It emerged from existential philosophy and was developed as a therapeutic approach by prominent existential psychologists and psychiatrists such as Viktor Frankl, Rollo May, and Irvin Yalom.
Existential psychotherapy recognizes that human beings grapple with existential concerns, including the nature of life, freedom, responsibility, death, and the search for meaning. It emphasizes the subjective experience of the individual and aims to help clients confront and make sense of these existential dilemmas.
The key principles and themes in existential psychotherapy include:
Existential themes: This therapy explores the unique concerns that individuals face in their lives, such as the fear of death, the search for purpose, the experience of loneliness, and the quest for authenticity.
Personal responsibility: Existential therapy emphasizes the idea that individuals have the freedom and responsibility to make choices and create meaning in their lives. It encourages clients to take ownership of their decisions and actions.
Search for meaning: Existential psychotherapy acknowledges that human beings have an inherent need for meaning and purpose. It helps clients explore their values, beliefs, and life goals, and supports them in creating a sense of purpose that aligns with their authentic selves.
Authenticity and self-awareness: The therapy encourages individuals to engage in self-reflection and self-examination to gain a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It aims to foster authenticity by helping clients align their actions with their true selves.
Anxiety and existential angst: Existential psychotherapy recognizes that anxiety is an inherent part of human existence, stemming from the awareness of mortality, freedom, and the uncertainties of life. It focuses on helping clients understand and address their anxieties in a meaningful way.
Therapeutic relationship: The therapeutic relationship is central in existential psychotherapy. The therapist provides a supportive and non-judgmental space where clients can explore their existential concerns, fostering trust and collaboration.
Existential psychotherapy does not adhere to a rigid set of techniques but instead draws from various therapeutic approaches, such as phenomenology, gestalt therapy, and psychoanalysis. The therapist's role is to facilitate self-exploration, promote personal growth, and guide clients in discovering their own answers to existential questions.
Overall, existential psychotherapy aims to help individuals develop a deeper sense of self-awareness, acceptance, and meaning in their lives, enabling them to lead more authentic and fulfilling existences.