Existential Psychotherapy utilizes familiar existential givens, such as the fear of death, human responsibility, and meaninglessness to engage individuals. The goal is to lead them to greater awareness of the freedom of being fully engaged in life.
Existential Psychotherapy posits that humans must recognize that, ultimately, life can have a sense of meaninglessness. Initially, this may seem like a bleak thought. But these therapists emphasize the freedom this realization brings. If life lacks meaning, people should do their best to enjoy each moment as it comes.
Another goal of Existential Psychotherapy is to reduce the anxiety that arises from questions of humanity. This type of therapy may be for you if you enjoy pondering the more challenging questions in life or you want to reduce fear about death and learn how to embrace life.
Your therapist will create a safe environment for you to ponder serious questions about the nature of humanity and your own life and death. This questioning and exploration can reduce anxiety and help you live a more authentic life.
Existential Psychotherapists believe each human is on their own journey, but a shared sense of suffering and anxiety leads to empathy for the human condition. They do not see themselves as the expert on life but will welcome you to begin your journey of pondering the ultimate truths of humanity.
Therapists Who Specialize in Using Existential Psychotherapy
The power of choice and living in the present moment is a reality for each of us regardless of our past circumstances. My method of therapy relies heavily on not only my 13 years of experience, but also on the variety of therapeutic methods learned over many years in school. I use a variety of therapeutic practices including cognitive behavioral, Rogerian, existential, strength based and positi...
I have extensive experience in crisis work and solution-focused short term therapy. My philosophy is rooted in existentialism and my approach is based on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy as well as other cognitive behavioral approaches. I believe that we as humans share a desire for meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging in this life. I am a successful competitive athlete competing nationall...
My career has followed many paths building inclusive communities prior to becoming a licensed psychologist. I provide a welcoming place for clients to explore and manage life's challenges and concerns, such as stress and anxiety as well as spiritual, religious, or existential questions. As a neuropsychologist, I offer comprehensive evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults. I also work...
Do you ever feel alone in a room full of people or lonely in what should be a loving relationship? Are you anxious or sad and don't know why (or maybe do)? If you struggle to connect, to trust, to reach out, to pursue what you desire or to stop doing what doesn't work, our work together will begin with creating a safe, open, inquisitive, and engaging relationship with me. I believe the connecti...
We may sometimes feel that we are not able to embody our identify and beliefs. Feeling you should be something you are not is unbearable: what is core to you can be honored, and what is not can be examined and then embraced, accepted or changed. What we choose to value, and how we pursue those values, dictate what we are to become. Some things cannot be changed, and yet we can choose how we mov...
What I love about being a therapist is witnessing the ways in which my clients come to untangle their emotional lives and allow a sense of clarity and confidence to grow within themselves. I focus on helping clients process their thoughts and feelings, so their minds can start to work for them rather than against them. It is common to feel that we must constantly fight against ourselves, be it ...
With 30 years clinical experience and training at Harvard, Princeton and University of Chicago, I treat individuals and families, ranging in age from pre-teens to adults. I help clients achieve relief from emotional distress, enhance self-esteem, and restore the quality of their relationships and work/academic functioning. Clients seek my assistance on such problems as anxiety, depression,...
Life presents to us a consistent ebb and flow of challenges. As we navigate these, we are guided by our sense of identity, our past experiences, and the patterns we have learned. Often, however, these solutions do not serve us in the present and take the form of habits of mind and action which hold us back, shape our relationships, and create the illusion of false limitations; but there is hope...
You don’t ever have to go at it alone. I thank you for having the courage to begin this journey. I often describe my work as a journey as much of my role in this work involves being a co-pilot or co-author of your story. I seek to help individuals become the best version of themselves as they work through unresolved issues, trauma, or maladaptive patterns that have led to stuckness or got in th...
**Not Currently Accepting Clients** I'm a Gay Clinical Social Worker who primarily works with the TBLGQ population. I utilize an existential approach that is descriptively focused. I believe that through reflection and disclosure clients can learn more about themselves, their relationships, and lived experience in order to make the change they seek in their lives. I primarily work with college...
Therapy is powerful. For many people, including myself, initially, it is a place we come to when we need to figure something out or “fix” something. Or when we are just super overwhelmed. But over time, therapy often becomes a portal to a new world. A world where we get to explore our psyche and Soul and appreciate the beauty and wonder of it, shadows and all. Therapy becomes an adventure where...
The late-great David Bowie captured one of life’s most enduring challenges when he dared us to “turn and face the straaange ch-ch-changes.” If only it was that easy, right? I am a change expert with over a decade of experience helping people who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, low self-esteem, and underachievement. My approach is interactive, down-to-earth, and peppered...
My career began in a private practice that often included children and adolescents referred by school districts for disruptive behavior, bullying or self harm. For patients who are having difficulty in academic environments, I place an emphasis on collaborating with school districts to advocate for the patient and ensure a correct diagnosis when needed. I have worked with patients as young as a...
At times it may feel as though our power in our lives has been taken from us. Stress, life transitions, family issues, relationships, and many other factors can play a large role in making us feel anxious, depressed, and not living to our fullest potential. If you relate to this, therapy can help you find your power again. I have experience working with adolescents and adults who have experienc...
Briony's approach draws from various client-centered therapies to create individualized and unique therapy experiences, encouraging clients to explore their strengths and potential. She integrates Humanistic and Existential perspectives, intertwining evidenced-based practices, in order to meet the client where they are, and to promote healing, acceptance, and growth. Briony believes that creati...
