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
Shannon Theobald's clinical counseling experience includes working with trauma, addiction, grief & loss, eating disorders, mental illness, & betrayal trauma. She also works with clients that have dual diagnoses. Using a relational, yet person-centered approach, she helps families and couples reconnect and build healthier communication and behaviors with each other. Shannon is also skill...
Vulnerability is one of humanity’s greatest strengths. The human capacity to heal, regenerate, and transform is remarkable. I take a holistic approach, mind, body, and spirit, treating the whole person. I consider therapy a partnership, a strong therapeutic alliance, collaborative in nature, where connection and rapport are essential to the therapeutic process. I create a safe, nonjudgmental...
I have found in my 16 years of work with diverse individuals that healing of emotional pain comes best from cultivating deeper self-acceptance—and more fully recognizing your own inherent capacity to experience love, fulfillment, and prosperity. It would be an honor to help you navigate your way through anxiety, depression, hurt, and/or shame to arrive at a warm celebration of your own intrinsi...
“As a therapist, I hold on the vision of your possible future even when you are in so much pain you cannot see beyond today. I wait patiently for the day when you can see the beauty inside yourself that I saw from the first day we met." (asiansformentalhealth) My therapeutic style is warm, engaging and genuine. I take an eclectic approach to counseling in which I enjoy working with people from ...
I am a believer in the Existential/Humanistic school of thought and the importance of making meaning in our lives. By meeting my clients in the here-and-now, I am able to work with them where they are presently, without going too far ahead of them or getting bogged down in the past. I’m collaborative, creative, and believe in an integrated approach when working with people. No single form of...
Throughout life, individuals are challenged internally and externally. Difficult friendships, periods of self-doubt, experiences of trauma, or existential issues often place people in situations were extra support is helpful, and at times, necessary. In these moments, many people want support, advice, and resources to move from a place of fear and paralysis to a place of action, success, and...
Who is running your life? Do you feel estranged from yourself and alone even among others? Exhausted, trying to keep this fragile ship of NORMAL afloat on the great sea of uncertainty? If you are facing these challenges and looking at Psychology Today, it is time for a new approach. It is time to turn your attention from the externals of life and focus inward. What you are looking for, is what ...
Therapy is hard, not getting therapy is harder. Taking the first step to wellness can be the most difficult and I will gladly help you navigate though life's challenges via TeleMental Health sessions. I became a counselor to help others find hope and their potential in life. I have experience working with civilian/veteran clients who have been diagnosed with a personality disorder, anxiety/pani...
Are you struggling with depression, anxiety, and/or trauma and wondering how the new field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy can support you? Have you worked with underground guides or shamans and need extra support untangling what came up for you? Exploring psychedelics and the mental health and existential issues that they can bring to the surface can be challenging. I work with both peop...
Are you feeling hurt or overwhelmed by something that happened to you? Do you find yourself stuck in upsetting patterns of thinking, feeling or behaving that make it difficult to move forward and make decisions in your personal or professional life? Considering making changes in your life can feel daunting but counseling can provide support and guidance as you continue building a more fulfillin...
I am a clinical social worker/psychotherapist with over 20 years experience working with adolescents, individuals, families in various inpatient and outpatient settings. Most recently I worked at Westmed's Behavioral Health Dept. Previously, I worked at Carmel Psychological, Four Winds Hospital, etc. I specialize in the treatment of anxiety and depression, utilizing a psychodynamic approach, wh...
Are you are suffering from mental/emotional difficulty? This is not uncommon and help is available. My approach to psychological health and wellness is grounded in real life experience and takes into account the many pitfalls that many of us encounter at some point in our lives. It is important to get support during challenging periods, especially during times of great stress and/or major life...
I am a Licensed Master of Social Work practicing in Knoxville, Tennessee. I help clients struggling with identity issues, trauma, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and substance abuse issues using a promising new approach called Acceptance & Integration Training (AAIT). What you'll love most about AAIT is its ability to help you quickly resolve the layers of conditioning, self-judgment, loss, a...
Are you spinning your wheels? Have you tried, again and again, to just get this thing called life to work for you, but nothing seems to stick? I've been there, and I get it. Our lives are the stories of our being in the world, and I work with individuals, couples, and families to look at the big picture of the story of YOUR life. We will explore not only the “how” of your life and the challenge...
My ideal client is anyone who is struggling with a loss of hope and who cannot find meaning in his or her life. They may be struggling with depression, trauma, grief, addiction, relationship problems, or developmental issues that can affect individuals at any time across the lifespan. I also work with parents struggling with raising their children, and couples who struggle with communication...
