In the book Man’s Search for Freedom, Viktor Frankl (a neurologist, psychologist, philosopher, and Shoah [holocaust] survivor) offers a blueprint for a new approach to therapy called logotherapy. Logotherapy emerged as an especially useful modality for those of us who are interested in trauma work and existential questions (or as Frankl suitably terms it, “existential frustration” (2006, p. 100)). Frankl’s notion that inner tension is a part of life—that it is “an indispensable prerequisite for mental health” (2006, p. 103)—is a refreshing take in contrast to those we see which frame these deeply human struggles as an inconvenience or illness.
Frankl’s argument that the “search for meaning is the primary motivation in […] life” (Frankl, 2006, p. 99) is a compelling counternarrative to the popular ideas which focus exclusively on thought-adjustments without consideration of meaning. After all, how can one be content without a sense of meaning and purpose? Or at least, without grappling with meaning and purpose so as to cultivate a sense of freedom?
Existential psychotherapy, developed more fully later by Irvin Yalom, offers clients a chance to think about meaning, purpose, and freedom in a therapeutic environment.
Yalom’s makes good use of Sartre’s infamous quip that “we are condemned to freedom” (as cited in Yalom, 2017, p. 137). In their works, Yalom (2017, p. 137) and Frankl link freedom to responsibility (2006, p. 132) while emphasizing the great importance of highlighting responsibility in the treatment for the successful realization of one’s freedom (Yalom, 2017, p. 139; Frankl, 2006, p. 132). Perhaps through accepting one’s responsibility, and finding meaning in responsibility, one is better able to realize their freedom.
More closely contemplating freedom and meaning in therapy can help bring these questions to the forefront of life, to contribute to a more meaningful existence. Clients mights find themselves often asking: “will doing this add meaning to life?”. “Will this purchase this add meaning to my life?” “Does this behaviour give me a sense of meaning?”
During the season of hyperconsumption (I write this blog post on Black Friday weekend so it is top of mind), a closer examination of meaning and freedom can help you to take responsibility for your freedom and making the most of this freedom.
Ultimately, existential psychotherapy is highly individual. It’s a process through which one comes to their own answers (or perhaps, just more questions). It is also a deeply personal process. It’s not about finding definitive answers but about opening the door to more profound questions.
If you’re interested in existential psychotherapy, consider if reaching out for a free consultation to begin a new therapeutic process might also give you meaning and enhance your sense of freedom. This could be the first step toward a more meaningful and therapeutic journey.
Read more:
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Boston: Beacon Press, 2006. (Originally Published in 1959.)
The Gift of Therapy by Irvin Yalom. Harper Collins Press, 2017.
Existential Psychotherapy by Irvin Yalom. Basic Books, 1980.