Existential therapy uses a philosophical approach that explores the fundamental issues of human existence, such as freedom, responsibility, choice, meaning, and the inevitability of death. In my integrative practice, I often weave existential treatment techniques (and closely related logotherapy techniques) into other methods, though they can also be used as standalone. Existential crisis treatment is particularly suited as virtual therapy and can be used with couples treatment and family therapy with older children (usually when the children are grown). The following provides an overview of existential psychotherapy, but you can also contact me anytime or schedule a consultation to discuss your unique situation.
How Existential Therapy Came to Be
Existential treatment techniques emerged from the works of philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, and Jean-Paul Sartre. However, the formalization of existential psychotherapy owes much to the work of several influential psychologists and psychiatrists who integrated philosophy with therapeutic practice:
- Viktor Frankl: While Frankl is more associated with logotherapy, his work heavily influenced existential therapy. His experiences in the concentration camps during World War II led him to develop logotherapy, which emphasizes the search for meaning as a primary motivational force in human beings.
- Rollo May: An American psychologist who played a significant role in introducing existential therapy to the United States. May integrated the philosophy of meaning with psychology, emphasizing the importance of choice, responsibility, and the search for meaning in therapy.
- Irvin Yalom: Yalom’s contributions popularized existential therapy in contemporary psychology. His Existential Psychotherapy Book outlined the key concepts of existential psychotherapy and demonstrated their practical application in therapeutic settings.
These pioneers integrated philosophy and psychology, focusing on the subjective human experience, freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning. They highlighted the importance of addressing deep concerns and the impact of issues of meaningfulness on an individual’s mental health and well-being. Existential therapy techniques continue to evolve, drawing from various modern philosophical and psychological perspectives while emphasizing exploring the deeper dimensions of human existence and the quest for meaning in life.
Existential Therapy Overview
The primary goal of existential psychotherapy is to help individuals understand themselves more deeply by confronting and exploring their existence and the challenges inherent in being human. Therapists employing this approach often assist clients in examining their beliefs, values, and choices, emphasizing personal responsibility and the consequences of one’s actions.
Key Concepts in Existential Therapy
- Freedom and Responsibility: Individuals are seen as having the freedom to make choices and are responsible for the consequences of those choices.
- Anxiety: The anxiety that arises when confronted with the uncertainties and complexities of life, including the search for meaning and purpose.
- Search for Meaning: Exploring and finding meaning in one’s life, despite the inherent lack of inherent meaning in the universe.
- Death and Mortality: Acknowledging the reality of death and how it influences our choices and perspectives on life.
- Authenticity: Encouraging individuals to live authentically, being true to oneself and one’s values.
This approach doesn’t follow a strict set of techniques but rather focuses on the therapeutic relationship and engages in open-ended conversations, reflections, and explorations to help individuals come to terms with their existence and find ways to live more authentically and meaningfully.
Results of Existential Psychotherapy
The results of existential psychotherapy can vary for each person, but I’ve seen the following outcomes:
- Increased Self-Awareness: In existential psychotherapy, clients often gain a deeper understanding of themselves, their values, and their beliefs. They become more aware of their choices, responsibilities, and the impact of their actions on their lives.
- Finding Meaning and Purpose: Through the exploration and reflection of existential psychotherapy, people often discover or redefine what gives their life meaning. They might find new purposes or reframe existing ones, leading to a more fulfilling.
- Acceptance of Responsibility: Existential psychotherapy encourages people to take responsibility for their choices and actions. Clients often develop a greater sense of accountability for their lives and direction.
- Exploration of Freedom: Clients explore their freedom to make choices and the consequences of those choices. They may learn to embrace their freedom rather than feel overwhelmed by it.
- Coping with Existential Concerns: Existential therapy helps clients grapple with larger concerns such as mortality, isolation, meaninglessness, and freedom. It doesn’t necessarily provide solutions but helps individuals develop ways of coping with these concerns.
- Increased Resilience: Clients often become more resilient in facing life’s challenges. They may develop a greater capacity to tolerate ambiguity and uncertainty inherent in the human condition.
Existential Psychotherapy In My Work
I have used existential psychotherapy both as a standalone and as part of therapy that includes other therapeutic approaches. I’ve seen it benefit individuals experiencing a life transition, feeling anxious or depressed but unsure why, seeking to understand themselves better, or grappling with questions of purpose and meaning in life. The unique perspective on human experiences and the psychological challenges we experience can be eye-opening and powerful. Some of the ways I’ve used it include:
Exploration of Meaning and Purpose
Existential treatment techniques help people explore meaninglessness, purposelessness, or feelings of emptiness in life. It assists in finding or creating personal meaning and purpose. This can be particularly helpful when people face a crisis of meaning—a period of intense questioning or uncertainty about life—because it helps them navigate the crisis and move forward. In these situations, it aids in understanding one’s identity, values, and beliefs.
Existential Therapy Techniques in Crisis Situations
Existential therapy techniques can be beneficial during moments of crisis, such as the loss of a loved one, major life changes, or when confronted with mortality. It assists individuals in making sense of these experiences and finding ways to cope.
Existential Crisis Therapy and Anxiety and Depression
Existential therapy techniques can be used to address anxiety, particularly generalized anxiety that does not seem to have a cause, grief reactions, and depression by exploring their roots, such as the fear of death, freedom, or isolation, and helping people find ways to navigate these emotions. I’ve used this approach frequently when people feel a general sense of unease, of never being emotionally fulfilled or truly happy.
When these feelings have their roots in longstanding relationship issues, existential therapy can help understand relationship dynamics, personal responsibility within relationships, and the impact of these concerns on interactions with others.
Enhancing Personal Growth
Aside from addressing specific problems or challenges, this approach can foster personal growth by encouraging individuals to live more authentically, take responsibility for their choices, and embrace life’s uncertainties. It can assist individuals in making important life decisions by exploring the values, beliefs, and motivations that underlie those decisions. For those seeking to explore their lives’ spiritual or existential dimensions, this therapy can provide a framework for deeper self-exploration.
Existential treatment techniques are flexible and can be integrated with other therapeutic approaches, allowing me to tailor their methods to each individual’s unique needs and situations. It’s particularly beneficial for those drawn to philosophical inquiries, introspection, and exploring the deeper aspects of human existence.
Existential Crisis Treatment Example
A crisis of meaning is a period of deep questioning about one’s purpose, values, and existence. Existential crisis treatment often involves a multifaceted approach, combining psychological, philosophical, and sometimes spiritual strategies. Here’s a fictitious example of existential crisis treatment in my practice:
John, a 35-year-old man, is experiencing a crisis of meaning after a major career change. He reports feelings of purposelessness, anxiety about the future, and questioning the meaning of his work and life. He has trouble sleeping and often feels overwhelmed by thoughts about mortality and the direction of his life. In the intake, John and I decided that existential crisis treatment would be our core approach.
Existential Crisis Treatment Plan
1. John begins weekly sessions focusing on his fears and uncertainties. We discuss themes from the philosophy of meaning to frame his concerns in a broader context. I use logotherapy techniques to help John explore and identify sources of meaning in his life. We’ll also use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help identify and change negative thought patterns, focusing on creating a more positive outlook on life. Finally, we’ll directly address the issues of meaning, freedom, isolation, and mortality. This therapy helps individuals find personal meaning and accept the inherent challenges of existence.
2. John starts a daily mindfulness meditation routine to help manage anxiety and stay present. He is encouraged to journal his thoughts and feelings daily. He also takes a painting class to express himself creatively. He’ll incorporate regular exercise, such as jogging and yoga, into his routine to improve his physical and mental well-being.
5. John explores different spiritual practices, attending a few meditation retreats and exploring philosophical literature. He also joins a local book club focused on existential literature to connect with others experiencing similar questions.
Existential Crisis Treatment Outcome
Over several months of holistic existential crisis treatment, John reports a significant reduction in anxiety and a greater sense of peace and purpose. He finds new meaning in his career by mentoring younger colleagues and engaging in community service. John feels more connected to himself and others, having developed a deeper understanding of his values and purpose.
This holistic existential crisis treatment approach addresses various aspects of John’s life, helping him navigate his crisis and find a renewed sense of meaning and direction.
Existential Treatment Example: Empty Nest
Here is an example of how existential treatment might be applied to a woman experiencing “empty nest syndrome”—a stage in life when children leave home and a parent (often a mother) may feel a loss of purpose or identity.
Client Profile (fictional):
Name: Karen, 52 years old
Background: She recently became an empty nester after her youngest child left for college. She is married but feels disconnected from her spouse. Formerly a full-time stay-at-home mom, she is now struggling with feelings of meaninglessness and loneliness.
Existential Treatment
Initial Concerns:
Karen expresses sadness, boredom, and a vague sense of purposelessness. She says things like:
- “I don’t know who I am anymore.”
- “I gave my whole life to my children. Now what?”
- “There’s nothing to look forward to.”
Existential Treatment Goals:
- Help Karen explore her sense of identity beyond the mother role.
- Confront existential themes like freedom, isolation, meaning, and mortality.
- Empower Karen to make authentic choices and take responsibility for shaping her life.
Key Moments in Existential Treatment:
- Exploring Meaning and Identity
I ask:
“What gave your life meaning when your children were home? What aspects of that still matter to you now?”
Karen realizes she loved nurturing, teaching, and creating a warm home. These values still matter—just need a new expression.
- Addressing Freedom and Responsibility
Me:
“It can feel overwhelming to have so much freedom suddenly. But it also means you can choose what comes next. What small step could you take toward something that feels fulfilling?”
Karen begins volunteering at a local library where she reads to children, which reconnects her with a sense of purpose.
- Normalizing Isolation and Embracing Connection
Me:
“It’s normal to feel alone during major life transitions. But this space can also be a chance to re-learn how to connect—with yourself, your partner, or your community.”
Karen opens up about her distant marriage. She and her husband eventually started attending couples therapy.
- Confronting Mortality and Finite Time
Me:
“You’ve entered a new phase of life. It’s a reminder that time is limited. How do you want to spend the time you have?”
Karen reflects on dreams she’d put aside—like traveling and painting. She signs up for a local art class.
Existential Treatment Outcome:
Over time, Existential Treatment helps Karen reclaim her autonomy and embrace midlife’s uncertainty. She doesn’t have all the answers—but she’s more comfortable with the freedom to choose and create meaning in this new chapter.
Existential Counseling vs. Therapy
Existential counseling and therapy are closely related, but they have subtle differences in emphasis and context. Here’s a breakdown:
Existential Counseling vs. Therapy
| Existential Counseling | Existential Therapy | |
| Focus | Practical guidance for navigating life’s meaning, choices, and transitions. | Deeper exploration of existential concerns (e.g., death, freedom, isolation, meaninglessness). |
| Depth | Often less intensive; suitable for people facing life decisions or crises, but not necessarily mental illness. | Can be more intensive; may be used with clinical issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma. |
| Setting | Often found in coaching, life transitions, pastoral or educational settings. | Usually practiced in clinical or psychotherapeutic settings. |
| Style | Conversational, reflective, and often time-limited. | May be long-term, with a deeper dive into a person’s psyche and existential anxiety. |
| Client Goals | Clarify values, find direction, accept uncertainty. | Explore suffering, confront mortality, find authentic existence. |
| Practitioner | May be a counselor, coach, or trained facilitator. | Usually a licensed therapist or clinical psychologist with training in existential approaches. |
Overlap Between Existential Therapy and Counseling
Both approaches aim to help clients:
- Take responsibility for their choices
- Embrace freedom and uncertainty
- Find or create meaning in life
- Live more authentically
From Our Example:
If someone like Karen (from the empty nest example) is feeling lost and unsure of her next step but isn’t clinically depressed, existential counseling might guide her through that transition.
But if she’s experiencing deep despair, hopelessness, or a loss of will to live, existential therapy would offer a space to work through those deeper emotional and philosophical struggles.
Summary and Next Steps
I would be happy to discuss how existential therapy could help you, whether as a primary approach or mixed with other clinical methods. I work with individuals, couples, and families with grown kids using existential therapy. This approach can be used as a virtual therapy or in person. I often braid existential therapy techniques with other approaches, particularly psychodynamic therapy and narrative therapy. This approach fits well with some intensive therapy services, too.
Please feel free to contact me to discuss existential therapy or inquire about my services.
