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

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...

Ronay Pagan

Seattle

Washington

I believe that therapy is a collaborative process and that the client steers the direction. Internal motivation and a willingness to ask yourself the difficult questions are essential to success. The beauty is that the power lies in your hands at all times. I am happy to help facilitate the process and smooth the path along your way. I have training in cognitive behavioral therapy, rational...
I am a clinical psychologist in Warren, RI with an expertise in addiction, trauma, anxiety, depression, existential challenges, and loss of meaning and purpose. I use my expertise in evidence-based therapies to help clients move beyond symptoms and lead more fulfilling lives. My approach to therapy explores how thoughts, feelings, and behavior shape who we are and what we do. Within this...

Adam Brandt

Raleigh

North Carolina

I specialize in providing individual therapy to adults, young adults, and teenagers through life-transitions, depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive concerns, social skills development, identity development, and existential/spiritual/religious concerns. I draw upon acceptance and commitment therapy to help clients take action toward living a meaningful life. Acceptance and commitment therapy...

Katrina Moore

San Antonio

Texas

During this unprecedented world health crisis, our therapists at The Counseling Spot are providing telehealth services to residents of other states including, but not limited to, FL and NY. Many insurance carriers are now covering the cost of telehealth. If you are struggling with the emotional effects of COVID-19, or with life's ups and downs in general, seeking counseling is a demonstration o...
We all have the capacity for meaningful change and are deserving of a life of fulfillment. Sometimes we find that it can be difficult to make those changes and engage in daily living in ways that feel good to us. Barriers can show up in our lives in many ways. Maybe you have concerns with your relationships; find your mood is difficult to manage; are engaging in thoughts or behaviors that are n...
Congratulations on your first step towards a new you! I work hard with clients to transform existing coping mechanisms into healthier coping skills and grounding techniques to manage difficult emotions and stressors that come up in life. I have extensively worked in the field of substance abuse and incorporate psychoeducation into therapy sessions to promote a warm, learning and nonjudgmental...
Anna Hope, LPC's ideal patients are individuals interested in self-exploration within the framework of a supportive relationship. Common areas of growth and change often involve life transition, self-esteem, optimal health and aligning with one's strengths and values. Whether you desire an improvement in quality of life, experiencing deeper intimacy within relationship, the creation of expanded...

Megan Krueger

Dallas

Texas

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, my job is to hold hope, especially when it's hard to find. I work to create a collaborative, nonjudgmental space where individuals can explore their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. I'm here to support you in identifying and processing past hurts that continue to influence relationships and self-confidence, as well as offer encouragement through difficult...
I take a very practical and systematic approach to the process of counseling. I approach my work clients from a humanistic, mindful, and Visually based solution-focused perspective. Within that framework I build a comprehensive outline of factors and information about my clients past, present, and future. My integrative approach involves family systems theory, not just psychological rhetoric. I...
Life is full of transitions, twists and turns, and "things coming at us". We sometimes wake up with a desire to free ourselves from mental - social/emotional hurt, when in front of life experiences. Whether the pain is new, or coming from the past, talking and having an outlet, is the beginning before releasing the negative WE hang on to... When you are ready and motivated to make changes to re...

Jennifer Wischmeyer

Brooklyn

New York

I work well with marginalized populations and those who find themselves on the edges of dominant culture for one reason or another. I like working with people who are interested in healing and who are open to challenging how they react and cope. Your issues may include complications or dissatisfaction with relationships, intimacy, and communication; with internal struggles regarding your sense ...

Amy Tredinnick

San Francisco

California

I welcome individuals and partners of all backgrounds and life experiences into this shared work, with specific interest and experience in the areas of anxiety, depression, trauma, grief work, life transitions and existential inquiries. I honor wherever you are on your journey and believe in cultivating space, and curiosity as we navigate this path together. Much of the work I gravitate towards...
We're more anxious right now than ever, trying to navigate everything that is happening in our lives and our world. It's easy to get out of balance, especially during this difficult time. It's hard to navigate our own lives and now we have other worries, many that feel beyond our control. Drawing on my experience and training in existential philosophy and contemporary psychodynamic therapy...a...