What is Existential Psychotherapy?

Existential psychotherapy is a form of therapy rooted in existential philosophy, which focuses on exploring the human condition, the meaning of life, and the inherent challenges of existence. Rather than emphasizing mental illness or dysfunction, existential psychotherapy looks at universal human concerns such as freedom, choice, responsibility, death, isolation, and the search for meaning.

Here are the key concepts of existential psychotherapy:

• Dealing with Death and Mortality

  • Existential therapy doesn’t shy away from the fact that life is finite and we all face death. Rather than avoiding this reality, therapy encourages people to face it, helping them live more fully and meaningfully, knowing that life is precious and limited.

• Finding Meaning and Purpose

  • Existential therapy doesn’t claim that life has one set meaning. Instead, it helps people discover what’s meaningful to them personally. When people feel lost or unsure about their purpose, this type of therapy helps them explore their values and what makes life worth living for them.

• Facing Isolation and Building Relationships

  • Even though we have relationships with others, there’s a deeper truth that each person is ultimately responsible for their own experiences. This can feel lonely at times. In therapy, people can learn to accept this sense of isolation while also finding genuine ways to connect with others.

• Exploring Freedom and Responsibility

  • We all have the freedom to make choices in our lives. But with this freedom comes the responsibility for those choices. Sometimes, people feel stuck or anxious because they don’t realize they have choices or are afraid of making the wrong ones. In therapy, the goal is to help people take responsibility for their lives and decisions.

Existential therapy isn’t about following a strict set of rules or techniques. Instead, it’s a conversation where the therapist helps you reflect on your life, choices, and feelings. The goal is to help you become more aware of who you are, what you want, and how you can live a life that feels fulfilling. For example: You might talk about a time when you felt stuck and how you made (or didn’t make) a choice to move forward. You could explore fears around things like death or being alone, and how those fears might be influencing your life. You might reflect on whether you’re living in a way that aligns with your true values, or if you’re being held back by outside pressures.

Existential therapy can be especially helpful when people are going through life transitions, feeling lost, or struggling with anxiety or depression. It’s not just about solving problems, but about understanding what makes life meaningful and how to live more fully. In essence, existential psychotherapy is about helping you embrace life’s uncertainties and challenges, while finding your own path to a more meaningful, authentic existence.