What is Existential Therapy?

Existential therapy is a philosophical approach to psychotherapy that explores fundamental aspects of human existence, such as freedom, responsibility, meaning, and the inevitability of death. Rooted in the works of existential philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, and Jean-Paul Sartre, this approach emphasizes self-exploration and personal growth.

In existential therapy, the therapist helps clients examine their subjective experiences and confront core concerns and conflicts of human existence. These include questions like:

• "Who am I?"
• "What is the meaning of life?"
• "How can I find purpose and fulfillment?"

Rather than providing specific techniques or solutions, existential therapy encourages clients to gain deeper awareness of their values, choices, and beliefs, empowering them to take responsibility for their lives and make authentic decisions. It highlights self-awareness, personal accountability, and the capacity to create meaning in life.

This therapy is especially beneficial for individuals struggling with identity, purpose, existential anxiety, or a sense of meaninglessness. It respects each person's uniqueness, taking a deeply humanistic approach that centers on their personal struggles.

What Psychological Issues Can Existential Therapy Help Address?

Existential therapy is not aimed at curing specific symptoms but rather supports individuals in exploring meaning, identity, purpose, and their inner worlds. It can also be a valuable complement to other therapeutic methods when addressing psychological disorders. Common concerns it addresses include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Relationship Issues
• Search for Meaning and Identity
• Existential Anxiety

The Process of Existential Therapy

The structure of existential therapy varies based on individual needs. Sessions typically last 45–50 minutes and occur once a week, but the frequency can be adjusted based on the therapist’s recommendations and the client’s requirements.

Therapy sessions are often one-on-one, focusing on personal growth and lasting as long as needed to achieve meaningful progress.

Key Concepts and Techniques in Existential Therapy

While existential therapy is not technique-driven, it incorporates concepts and methods to help clients explore their inner worlds. These include:

• Phenomenology: Focusing on the client’s lived experiences to better understand their unique perspective.
• Nonverbal Behaviors: Observing body language and other nonverbal cues to gain insights into unspoken emotions.
• Dream Analysis: Exploring dreams to uncover existential concerns and insights into the client’s psyche.
• Logotherapy: Helping clients find meaning and purpose in life, even amidst suffering, as proposed by Viktor Frankl.
• Dasein Analysis: Emphasizing the individual’s relationship with existence and their capacity for being, inspired by Heidegger’s philosophy.