Find meaning in every stage of life.

EXISTENTIAL THERAPY

“As far as we can discern, the sole purpose of human existence is to kindle a light of meaning in the darkness of mere being.”

Carl Jung

a shift in perspective.

Existential therapy is a philosophical approach to counseling that focuses on exploring the fundamental questions of existence with a neutral curiosity that seeks to understand rather than define. This approach centers around the belief that each individual creates their own unique, subjective sense of meaning and purpose in life.

The merit of accepting uncertainty with humility can be easily overlooked in a results-driven society that values concrete answers.

However, an existential therapy approach can be the catalyst for asking more nuanced questions, cultivating a more complete understanding and fulfilling experience of being alive, and for moving in the direction of continuous learning and growth.

Looking at life through the lens of existential philosophy can be both a humbling and enriching experience that has the ability to shift your perspective in profound ways.

acknowledging the life cycle.

Life is a series of cycles, none of which are permanent.

To live is to be in a state of constant change. Those who cling tightly to youth, a person, a place, a job, or their material possessions tend to struggle with this concept as the familiar is continually stripped away over time.

Instead of propping ourselves up with denial only to have reality crash down harder and faster later on, existential therapy helps us to incorporate the reality of our own impermanence into our conscious awareness. This way, we can move a bit more willingly with the current of life, and not exhaust ourselves railing against it.

Pain, Suffering, and Challenges in Life are to be Expected.

One of the goals of existential therapy is to work towards greater acceptance of suffering and discomfort as one of life’s givens. Through engaging in an open and honest dialogue of topics we tend to fear and avoid, you will be supported in navigating feelings of anxiety, isolation, loss of control, and uncertainty.

Ultimately, this can help you find alignment with not only your own nature, but the way of nature.

This can encourage us to accept life’s uncertainties and challenges as inherent, and not as “punishments” for our “failures”.

We can find meaning within all experiences and stages of life instead of rejecting the parts we find uncomfortable or imperfect.

This can lead to a higher tolerance for the growing pains that naturally coincide with the depth and brevity of a human existence.

Recognizing how individual suffering is connected to collective suffering can be supremely validating.

Knowing that we're not the only ones facing challenges can reduce the sense that we are hopeless or victimized by life.

Existential Therapy can be helpful for those who:

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Existential therapy focuses on four important themes, or “givens”, in life:

Death

Though the physicality of death destroys us, the idea of death may save us.

Irvin Yalom

Death is a fundamental aspect of the human condition that is explored and acknowledged as natural and inevitable part of the life cycle. The awareness of our own mortality can often prompt us to contemplate the meaning and purpose of human existence. In existential therapy, the fear of death and the concept of non-being are addressed as central concerns that shape human behavior and choices.

By confronting the reality of death, we are encouraged to reevaluate our life and our priorities, ultimately striving to find meaning and purpose in the face of impermanence. This introspective process can lead to a deeper appreciation of life and the ability to make authentic decisions.

Freedom

Ultimately, man should not ask what the meaning of his life is, but rather must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life; and he can only answer to life by answering for his own life; to life he can only respond by being responsible.

Viktor Frankl

In existential therapy, freedom is a central theme that emphasizes our ability to make choices and take responsibility for the amount of satisfaction we get from life. This approach acknowledges the inherent freedom that comes with being human, allowing us to explore our capacity to create our own meaning and purpose in life.

In existential therapy, the process of self-reflection and self-examination will encourage you to confront the reality of your own relationship to freedom, recognizing that with this freedom comes the anxiety of uncertainty and the weight of responsibility. By witnessing your responsibility to your own liberation, you can confront the challenges and limitations of your existence, ultimately empowering you to live in a way that is alignment with your values and true nature.

Isolation

To the extent that one is responsible for one's life, one is alone.

Irvin Yalom

The sense of our own separateness from one another is acknowledged as an unavoidable aspect of the human condition. The feeling of being alone and disconnected from others is considered a universal experience that can evoke a sense of meaninglessness and despair. Therapists working within an existential framework will help you explore your relationship to loneliness and isolation, encouraging you to confront the inevitability of your own self-containment while also seeking connections and meaningful relationships regardless.

By embracing the reality of isolation, you can work towards finding a deeper connection to and home within yourself, ultimately transforming your relationship with solitude from one of despair to one of acceptance and strength.

Meaning

What is to give light must endure burning.

Viktor Frankl

In the book "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl, the author delves into his experiences as a Holocaust survivor and a psychiatrist, exploring the pursuit of finding purpose and meaning in one's life in even the most dire circumstances.

Through his narrative, Frankl emphasizes the importance of having a sense of meaning to endure suffering and overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. He argues that individuals who can find purpose, no matter how small or fleeting, are better equipped to confront the hardships of life and maintain their emotional well-being.

Frankl's experiences in Nazi concentration camps deeply influenced his existential approach to understanding human nature and is considered one of the most influential existential texts ever written. The parallels between existential therapy and Frankl's teachings are evident in their shared emphasis on personal responsibility, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning. Through their shared values and approach to living in a harsh world, both existential therapy and Frankl's philosophy offer insights into the human experience and the path to a more meaningful existence.

As an Existential-Oriented Therapist, I can:

  • Guide you towards developing awareness of a multifaceted, complex self that includes both light and shadow elements.

  • Help you find value in each experience and phase of life, even the ones that are challenging or painful.

  • Help you find meaning and purpose in your life as you uncover and articulate your values,

  • Encourage you to turn towards uncertainty with strength, humility, and grace.

I am driven to help others confront the truth that life is both bitter and sweet.

I believe that talking about this is what helps.

Having concerns and curiosities about the dual nature of being alive is normal and human.

CURIOUS?

I offer a complimentary phone consultation to see if I could be the right therapist for you.