Existentialism: Philosophy and Existential Therapy

Existentialism: An Overview

Existentialism is a philosophy that gives importance to individual responsibility for creating meaning in life without relying on a higher power or religion. It focuses on the human condition and the anxiety that follows from making choices, discovering meaning, and accepting responsibility for one's existence.

Søren Kierkegaard and Existentialism

Søren Kierkegaard, a Danish philosopher, is considered the father of existentialism. Kierkegaard argued that individuals must give meaning to their own lives, and this process involves anxiety and despair. He focused on the significance of living authentically and responsibly, even in the face of an indifferent universe.

Existential Therapy

Existential therapy is a type of psychotherapy based on the principles of existentialism. Existential therapists help clients address their anxieties about existence, such as fear of death, loneliness, and meaninglessness. They also help clients explore their values and make choices that are in line with those values.

Existential Therapy Interventions

Existential therapy offers several interventions to help clients develop a sense of meaning and alleviate mental health symptoms. These interventions include:

• The Four Worlds of Human Existence: Existential therapists believe humans exist in four worlds: the physical, social, personal, and spiritual worlds. The therapist assists the client in identifying which of their worlds they have not explored fully and what conflicts between the four worlds could be causing distress.
• Mapping Worldview: A person's worldview includes expectations, beliefs, and assumptions about themselves, the world, and the other people in the world. The client can identify what modifications to their behavior can make their life more fulfilling by better articulating their worldview.
• Naming Avoidance: The therapist points out when the client is avoiding discussing past and future events or describing themselves as passively experiencing life rather than actively making choices.
• Developing Emotional Vocabulary: The therapist has the client list their common emotional states, explore which emotions they did not include, and investigate the reasons why they might have ignored these states.
• Taking Ownership: Existential therapists believe strongly in free will and assist their clients in taking ownership of their choices and the outcomes of these choices.
• Exploring Values: The therapist guides the client with “values questions,” such as “How do you want to live your life?” and “What is your overall sense of meaning?”
• Role Playing: To help the client define what "meaningful life" means to them, the therapist and client role play ideal life scenarios.

Risks and Limitations of Existential Therapy

Existential therapy has some risks and limitations, including:

• Lack of Empirical Support: There is a lack of empirical research supporting the effectiveness of existential therapy.
• Vague Approaches and Goals: Existential therapy is often criticized for having vague approaches and goals, making it difficult to measure its effectiveness.
• Not Ideal for Trauma Survivors: Existential therapy may not be appropriate for survivors of trauma and abuse, as it emphasizes personal responsibility for one's state in life, which can be perceived as victim blaming.

Conclusion

Existentialism and existential therapy can aid individuals in better understanding themselves as individuals and in relationship to others in the world. While existential therapy has constraints, it can be a helpful tool for assisting clients in identifying their values, making decisions, and creating a more meaningful life.