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What is existential theory & how does it work?
What is existential therapy?
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Jan 4, 2021 · Existential concerns such as death, responsibility, meaninglessness, and isolation not only are the hallmark of existential psychotherapy but also are frequently encountered by CBT therapists—nevertheless, due to epistemological and ideological differences, existential and CBT approaches to psychotherapy had little overlap historically.
- Thomas Heidenreich, Alexander Noyon, Michael Worrell, Ross Menzies
- 2021
- Overview
- What is existential theory?
- What is existential therapy?
- How does existential therapy work?
- Who may benefit from existential therapy?
- Limitations of existential therapy
- When to speak with a doctor
- Summary
Existential therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help people find a sense of meaning in their lives. It is less rigidly structured than other types of therapy and focuses on exploring a person’s whole existence.
Existential therapy derives its core concepts from the philosophy of existentialism, or existential theory.
One of the foundational ideas of existentialism is that there is no inherent meaning to life, so it is each person’s responsibility to create meaning and a sense of purpose for themselves.
This article explores what existential theory is, what existential therapy is and how it relates to this philosophy, who may benefit from existential therapy, its limitations, and when to talk with a doctor about any mental health concerns.
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Existential theory, or existentialism, is the philosophical school of thought dealing with questions of existence and how to live a meaningful life.
The central theme of existentialism is that life has no predetermined or innate meaning, but people can use their free will to create identity and a sense of meaning for themselves.
Existential therapy is a philosophy-informed approach to psychotherapy. It may help a person address mental health conditions such as existential anxiety and existential depression.
There is no rigid definition of existential therapy. Rather, it is an umbrella term for a group of psychotherapeutic approaches that philosophy informs and that focus on similar existential problems and solutions.
However, most existential therapy practices deal with the American psychiatrist Irvin Yalom’s four givens:
•isolation
•death
•meaninglessness
Unlike other forms of psychotherapy, existential therapy generally places less emphasis on diagnosing mental health conditions and relieving symptoms.
Instead, existential therapy aims to help people explore their lived experiences in an authentic, sincere, open, and comprehensive way without suppressing difficult or distressing emotions or thoughts.
Through a collaborative and spontaneous process of discovery with their therapist, a person may gain a clearer sense of the subjective meaning their experiences may contain. In this way, they can come to terms with their own existence.
Existential therapy avoids doctrine or dogma. Each therapist’s approach and each therapist-client relationship is highly individualized. It places special emphasis on the relationship between therapist and client.
However, one common approach of existential therapy is the phenomenological method. It focuses on experience as a person lives it, rather than on their reflections on the meaning of this experience.
Ultimately, existential therapy’s goal is to help people find or create meaning in their lives despite the concerns and anxieties that life naturally causes.
Due to its fundamental concentration on someone’s entire existence rather than just symptom relief and psychopathology, existential therapy may suit a broad range of people, including those living with:
•anxiety
•substance use disorders
•depression
•post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
•loneliness or isolation
While there is some evidence that existential therapy may be effective for some people, it may not suit everyone.
Some people may find existential therapy’s central themes, such as Yalom’s four givens, are too pessimistic or dark for them.
If someone feels particularly vulnerable or anxious, they may not be ready to embrace the painful, hurtful aspects of existence that this type of therapy may address.
Another of existential therapy’s limitations is that this therapeutic approach naturally resists definition, according to the New School of Psychotherapy and Counseling.
If someone is concerned about their mental health or is experiencing any mental health symptoms, speaking with a doctor may help.
A primary care physician may refer someone to a mental health professional. They may be able to provide psychotherapy, such as existential therapy, or other treatments.
Existential therapy is a type of psychotherapy that explores aspects of existence, such as freedom, meaninglessness, isolation, and death.
Unlike other therapies that focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions and their symptoms, existential therapy considers a person’s experiences without suppressing difficult or distressing emotions or thoughts. This may help a person develop a better sense of meaning in their life.
- Harry Webster
Sep 2, 2022 · Last updated: 09/02/2022. Existential therapy focuses on free will, self-determination, and the search for meaning—often centering on the individual rather than on their symptoms. The...
- When It's UsedExistential therapy can be useful in treating psychological concerns that are thought to result from an inhibited ability to make authentic, meanin...
- What to ExpectExistential psychotherapies use a range of approaches, but major themes focus on the concepts of responsibility and freedom. Therapists help you fi...
- How It WorksThis practice—due to its focus on existence and purpose—is sometimes perceived as pessimistic, but it’s meant to be a positive and flexible approac...
- What to Look for in an Existential TherapistScreen your potential therapist either in person or over video or phone. During this initial introduction, ask the therapist: How they may help wit...
Jan 24, 2024 · Existential therapy is based on the philosophy of existentialism, which states that people can use their free will to create meaning for themselves. It is a form of talk therapy that incorporates mindfulness and open dialogue to help you understand how the choices you make directly influence changes in your life.
Jun 4, 2020 · Bottom line. Life is filled with a lot of big questions: What’s the point? What’s the meaning? Why am I here? Existential theory tries to answer a lot of those questions to help people find...
May 4, 2023 · Theories. What to Know About Existentialism—Philosophy and Existential Therapy. By. Amy Marschall, PsyD. Updated on May 04, 2023. Reviewed by. David Susman, PhD. Jordan Siemens / Getty Images. Table of Contents. History. Existential Therapy. Effectiveness. Interventions. Risks and Limitations.
Nov 18, 2019 · Existential psychotherapy is based upon the fundamental belief that all people experience intrapsychic conflict due to their interaction with certain conditions inherent...
