What is Existential Psychotherapy?

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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 most pronounced trait I have encountered in my clients over the last nine years is resilience. I believe that every person has the innate capacity to overcome the difficulties that life presents. This potential is tapped through collaboration with clients to discover which tools and approaches will work best in each situation. My therapeutic approach includes modalities from acceptance and...
“Our lives can become messy things. When this happens many of us invest the majority of our energy into holding our exterior lives together; while throwing the scraps to our internal life. I practice from the belief that when we are lost in the emotional weeds it is faster and less painful to have a guide who knows the ‘weedlands’ counsel us back to emotional ‘civilization’ than it is to wander...
I specialize in working with individuals who feel stuck, anxious, or depressed, and couples who are looking to improve their relationship. I help my individual clients overcome depression and anxiety, increase self-confidence, establish healthy relationships, increase career satisfaction, and heal from trauma. I help couples improve communication, increase understanding, and rebuild trust. I us...

Michael Ianello

Portland

Oregon

I work with people who are seeking a deeper sense of satisfaction and fulfillment. For those who feel stuck in patterns of suffering and numbness; I offer a place to feel enlivened and focused. Perhaps this is a moment of transition for you; a new job, a big move, a baby. I will help you to recuperate energy and foster confidence. Over time you can expect to come into contact with your true sel...

Sarah Barrett

Portland

Oregon

Starting therapy is courageous. It is an honor to walk alongside my clients and support them. I believe in developing a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients, where they can feel safe, validated, and supported. I take an eclectic approach to counseling, which includes utilizing interventions from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Existential Therapy. I...
My goal in counseling is to understand my client's worldview and values in order to apply them toward meaningful, experiential treatment. I use an existential approach to pursue goals that are individually developed to meet the client's needs and definition of wellness. I believe that the individual has the power to develop and utilize skills to face the life issues within their grasp and to...
Practice full at present. Life is challenging and beautiful, and so confusing. We strive toward meaning and connection. Yet, often we feel stuck as we struggle to overcome internal and external barriers to the life we want to lead. Therapy can provide a safe environment to work through difficulties, cope with intense feelings, and move toward positive change. In my approach to counseling, you w...

Kristina Colovic

Brooklyn

New York

My approach to talk therapy is based on identifying and integrating parts of the individual and their experiences to foster self-awareness, practical solutions and advance personal growth. I work with adults on a wide range of challenges from emotion regulation, attachment patterns, grief and interpersonal systems to more clinical issues such as anxiety, depression and trauma related disorders....