A Deeper Understanding of One’s Life and Existential Therapy

Introduction
At its core, Existential Therapy[1] is about engaging with the profound questions of life: Who am I? Why am I here? What is the meaning of my life? These questions can lead to greater self-awareness and clarity, helping individuals understand their lives in ways that foster fulfillment and resilience. By exploring themes such as freedom, responsibility, authenticity, and mortality, existential therapy provides a pathway for clients to uncover their truths and live with intention.

Existential Therapy: A Journey Toward Understanding
Existential Therapy[2], grounded in the philosophies of thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard[3], Friedrich Nietzsche, and Viktor Frankl[4], offers individuals a framework to explore their unique experiences and purpose.[5] Unlike other therapeutic approaches, existential therapy does not aim to “fix” individuals but instead seeks to empower them to live authentically and confront the realities of existence.

This process of self-exploration is essential for gaining a deeper understanding of one’s life. Viktor Frankl highlighted this in his work with Holocaust survivors, where he found that even amidst unimaginable suffering, individuals could find meaning and purpose in their experiences.

Core Themes in Existential Therapy[6]

1. Freedom[7] and Responsibility: Life offers freedom—the ability to make choices and shape our existence—but this freedom comes with responsibility. Existential therapy encourages individuals to take ownership of their decisions and align their lives with their authentic values.
   • Reflection: How often do we act out of habit or external pressure rather than deliberate choice?
2. Authenticity: To live authentically[8] means to embrace one’s unique desires, values, and truths rather than conforming to societal or external expectations. By uncovering what truly matters, clients can create lives that reflect their deepest selves.
   • Reflection: Are you living in alignment with who you are, or are you guided by what others expect?
3. Meaning and Purpose: Existential therapy emphasizes that meaning is not given but created. Whether through relationships, work, or personal growth, individuals are encouraged to explore how they can bring purpose to their lives.[9]
   • Reflection: What gives your life meaning, and how do you nurture it?
4. Confronting Mortality: A deeper understanding of life often begins with an acknowledgment of its impermanence.[10] This confrontation with mortality can foster gratitude, intentionality, and a commitment to living fully. Yalom (1980) described this as “awakening experiences” that shift perspectives and priorities.
   • Reflection: How does the awareness of life’s impermanence shape the way you live?

The Role of Self-Awareness
Existential therapy helps individuals cultivate self-awareness, which is vital for understanding the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that shape their lives.[11] Through tools like the miracle question or value clarification exercises, clients can explore their inner worlds, identify barriers, and move toward greater congruence with their goals and desires.

Benefits of a Deeper Understanding of Life
A deeper understanding of one’s life leads to:

1. Increased Resilience: By finding meaning, individuals can navigate challenges with a sense of purpose.
2. Greater Satisfaction: Living authentically enhances personal fulfillment.
3. Improved Relationships: Understanding oneself fosters empathy and authenticity in relationships.

Research confirms that individuals who reflect on their lives and cultivate meaning experience higher levels of psychological well-being and are more likely to thrive in the face of adversity.

Practical Applications in Therapy
Existential therapy uses various methods to deepen understanding:

1. Logotherapy: Focuses on uncovering meaning even in suffering.
2. Exploration of Life Themes: Helps clients identify patterns and their impact on present behavior.
3. Conscious Choice-Making: Guides individuals to live intentionally.

Reflection Questions for Clients

1. What truly matters to you, and are your daily actions aligned with these values?
2. How do you embrace your freedom and responsibility to shape your life?
3. What legacy or impact do you hope to leave behind?

Conclusion
Existential therapy is a transformative process that invites individuals to deepen their understanding of life, navigate uncertainties, and live with authenticity and purpose. By confronting life’s fundamental questions, clients can find clarity, courage, and fulfillment in their journey.

[1] Van Deurzen, Emmy. “Existential therapy.” The Handbook of Individual Therapy. sixth ed. London, England: Sage (2014): 155-178.

[2] Vontress, Clemmont E. “Existential therapy.” Contemporary psychotherapies for a diverse world. Routledge, 2012. 131-164.

[3] Valenti Jr, Michael J. Existential Relationism: A Novel Theory of Psychotherapy Rising From the Life and Works of Søren Kierkegaard. Michigan School of Psychology, 2023.

[4] van Kempen, Timo, et al. “Viktor Frankl’s Existential Perspective on Trauma.”

[5] Barnett, Laura. “The philosophical roots of existential therapies.” When death enters the therapeutic space. Routledge, 2008. 23-60.

[6] Iacovou, Susan, and Karen Weixel-Dixon. Existential therapy: 100 key points and techniques. Routledge, 2015.

[7] Todres, Les. “Experiential–Existential Therapy: Embodying Freedom and Vulnerability.” Existential Therapy. Routledge, 2012. 67-80.

[8] Davidov, Jonathan, and Pninit Russo-Netzer. “Existential Authenticity.”

[9] Russo-Netzer, Pninit, Stefan E. Schulenberg, and Alexander Batthyany, eds. Clinical perspectives on meaning: Positive and existential psychotherapy. Springer, 2016.

[10] Sadri Demichi, Esmaeil, and Shokofeh Ramezani. “Effectiveness of existential therapy on loneliness and death anxiety in the elderly.” Aging Psychology 2.1 (2016): 12-1.

[11] Sousa, Daniel, Ana Pestana, and António Tavares. “Self-awareness, verbalization and new meanings as the heart and soul of significant events in existential psychotherapy.” Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy 49 (2019): 161-167.