Existential Therapy

Existential therapy aims to assist individuals in understanding and coming to terms with their existence by providing a framework for addressing the challenges and anxieties that may arise from life concerns.

Drawing from various philosophical and psychological theories, this therapy emphasizes personal responsibility, self-awareness, and the pursuit of authentic living. This method is characterized by its focus on subjective personal experience and the unique journey of self-discovery.

Therapeutic concepts in existential therapy

Existential concepts and concerns generally explored here include: 

• Meaninglessness
• Anxiety regarding uncertainty and the unknown
• Depression²
• Isolation and loneliness
• Identity crises
• Fear of death
• Relationship challenges
• Decision-making and personal responsibility
• Grief and loss

Existential therapy encourages participants to confront their inner conflicts and uncertainties, aiming to foster a more profound understanding of the self and the pursuit of an individually fulfilling existence. 

When participating in existential therapy, individuals may expect a therapeutic process that encourages deep self-exploration, reflection, and the evaluation of philosophical themes.

Existential therapy techniques

Below are some of the techniques you might expect when working with a therapist:

Open and reflective dialogue with the existential therapist

Existential therapy often involves meaningful conversations between the therapist and the client. These discussions provide a safe space to explore abstract questions, personal concerns, and life experiences without judgment.

Exploration of existential themes

In existential therapy, you may expect to delve into the meaning of life, freedom, responsibility, death, and the search for personal authenticity. These themes are intended to serve as a foundation for self-discovery and growth, helping individuals find meaning in the human condition.

Self-discovery and self-awareness in the existential therapy process

The therapy process encourages you to gain insight into personal thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and values. This heightened self-awareness may lead to a clearer understanding of your motivations and desires.

Challenging limiting beliefs

An existential therapist may aim to identify and challenge any limiting beliefs or thought patterns that hinder personal growth or prevent one from living authentically.

Confronting existential anxiety

In therapy, you may address feelings of anxiety, fear, or uncertainty related to philosophical concerns. The therapist can use an existential approach to guide you in exploring these emotions and finding ways to cope with them.

Clarifying existential values

You may engage in discussions aimed at clarifying your core values and morals during your mental health journey with existential psychotherapy. This process can help you make choices that align with your authentic self.

Setting meaningful goals for therapy

With your therapist’s support, you may set meaningful goals that reflect your newfound insights and values, helping you create a more purposeful direction for your life through philosophy.

Gaining coping strategies

Existential therapy often provides practical tools and coping strategies to navigate challenges, manage anxiety, and cope with the uncertainties of life.

Embracing responsibility 

Expect to explore the concept of personal responsibility and its role in your life. Doing so may give you a sense of empowerment and agency.

Promoting authentic living through existential therapy

The therapy process encourages clients to live authentically rather than conform to societal expectations. In essence, existential therapy offers a way for individuals to engage with life's challenges and uncertainties in a more profound and purposeful manner with the goal of personal growth, increased self-awareness, and a greater sense of authenticity.

Existential therapy holds the potential to benefit a wide range of individuals, from those living with mental health conditions such as depression to those facing anxiety when confronting life’s inherent conflicts. 

This therapeutic approach may be particularly suitable for those seeking to explore the deeper aspects of their lives, confront philosophical dilemmas, and find meaning in their experiences. Additionally, studies have shown existential therapy to have positive effects on individuals who are incarcerated, chronically ill, or living with advanced stages of cancer. 

Through existential therapy, individuals may receive guidance by addressing abstract aspects of distress,³ and they may receive support in engaging in meaningful activities.This therapeutic approach may benefit clients seeking a deeper understanding of themselves and their existence.

The goals of existential therapy are often centered around helping individuals develop a more profound understanding of themselves, their values, and their sense of purpose.

Existential therapy beliefs

The goals of this kind of treatment may include the following: 

• Explore existential questions: Therapists encourage clients to explore fundamental questions about the nature of life, death, freedom, and meaning, fostering a deeper understanding of their beliefs and values.
• Increase self-awareness: This goal is set to help individuals gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and motivations, enabling them to make more conscious choices aligned with their authentic selves.
• Accept reality: Accepting reality may assist clients in confronting the realities of existence, including limitations, uncertainties, and the inevitability of death, leading to a more realistic and honest perspective on life.
• Develop personal meaning: Therapists support individuals in finding and creating personal meaning in their lives, helping them identify and pursue activities, relationships, and experiences that resonate with their values.
• Gain empowerment and responsibility: Therapy empowers clients to take ownership of their choices and actions, fostering a sense of personal responsibility for their lives and decisions.
• Start living authentically: A therapist can guide individuals toward living authentically by aligning their actions with their true selves and encouraging them to let go of societal expectations or pressures that may hinder their personal growth.
• Enhance coping skills: Therapists equip individuals with effective coping strategies to navigate existential anxiety, uncertainty, and other emotional challenges, enabling them to engage more fully in life.
• Improve relationships: This goal is to facilitate open communication and connection in relationships, helping clients build more meaningful and fulfilling connections with others.
• Resolve inner conflicts: A therapist can assist individuals in reconciling inner conflicts, fostering a sense of inner harmony and coherence.
• Promote personal growth: A therapist can facilitate ongoing personal development, encouraging individuals to continue exploring their values, beliefs, and choices as they evolve over time.

This therapy addresses subjective concerns and challenges, helping clients achieve personal growth, increased self-awareness, and a more authentic and meaningful way of living.

Though existential therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)⁴ were once different, experts are beginning to notice an overlap in the methods. As existential topics become more prevalent in therapy settings, recent research shows that addressing concerns like death, responsibility, meaninglessness, and isolation can benefit mental health. 

Existential therapy studies

In a study aimed at observing the effectiveness of this type of therapy, 68 university graduates from Neyshabur, Iran, were split into two groups, with one group participating in ten existential therapy sessions. The results found that those who participated in existential therapy had a significantly more positive attitude toward life and an enhanced sense of self-esteem after participating.