Finding Meaning in Healing – An Introduction to Existential Therapy
What Is Existential Therapy?
Existential therapy is a philosophical approach to psychotherapy that explores fundamental human concerns such as meaning, freedom, responsibility, and mortality. Rather than focusing solely on symptom relief, existential therapy encourages clients to examine their inner struggles and life purpose, leading to greater self-awareness and personal growth.
This approach is rooted in the works of Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, Martin Heidegger, and Viktor Frankl, who emphasized the importance of confronting existential anxieties to lead a more fulfilling life.
How Existential Therapy Supports Healing
Existential therapy is particularly helpful for individuals struggling with:
Loss of meaning or purpose in life
Anxiety related to death, uncertainty, or life transitions
Grief, trauma, and identity crises
A desire for deeper self-understanding and personal responsibility
How It’s Used in Therapy
Confronting Existential Anxieties – Addressing fears around mortality, isolation, and meaninglessness.
Encouraging Personal Responsibility – Helping clients take ownership of their choices and shape their own lives.
Navigating Trauma & Life Transitions – Providing a framework for processing grief, major changes, and trauma.
Integrating with Other Approaches – Often used alongside CBT, EMDR, and Parts Work to create a holistic healing experience.
Is Existential Therapy Right for You?
If you feel stuck, disconnected, or uncertain about your path in life, existential therapy can provide the tools to navigate your journey with clarity and confidence. Let’s talk.
