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

Julie Stewart

Tacoma

Washington

I treat people who want holistic care, focusing on exploring the intersection of mind and body. What is your bodies story? How does that impact your mental health? Your physical health? Whether your primary concern is anxiety, stress, depression, or an eating disorder, I am available to help. My approach is collaborative and centered on your needs. I practice from an attachment theory lens, and...
If you're feeling off balance - challenged by life's transitions, significant loss, difficult emotions, feelings of confusion, or relationship problems - therapy can help. My view towards therapy is “there is more right with you, than wrong with you." This was said by Jon Kabat Zinn, an early champion of mindfulness in the U.S., and it points to our inherent strengths. I believe we all have the...

Micah Rees

Houston

Texas

My style of therapy is best suited to those seeking serious self-discovery and development. In order to facilitate growth, I help my clients deeply analyze and understand their own lives, relationships, and difficulties. One of my main goals in therapy is to empower my clients to take charge of their lives and find greater confidence and meaning in the process. I work with a broad spectrum of...
Allison explores a wide array of therapeutic approaches and utilizes each in an intentional way to meet the need of each client. More specifically, Allison values and utilizes psychodynamic, gestalt, and existential theories to guide her as a clinician. Allison believes that each individual’s needs are unique, and thus, the counseling approach should adapt to those specific needs. Her view of...

Brian J Lundberg

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania

I believe that it is necessary to interact with clients as feeling, thinking, and embodied beings; therapy must address each person holistically and relationally in all aspects: emotional, cognitive, and behavioral. Therapy can help us make sense of our selves, our world, our relationships, our personal stories and the paths we take - other words, how to live life as our best, fulfilling selves...
I specialize in walking with my clients through addiction, recovery from addiction, anxiety, depression, grief, the emotional and mental health impact of chronic conditions and pain, and reducing conflict in couples and families so people can reconnect with those closest to them. If you've come to a point where you want empathic support and help finding new solutions, call me. I include modalit...
I work with adolescents and adults. I have experience working with clients that are struggling with anxiety, depression, women’s issues, sexuality issues, marriage issues, grief, existential issues, and trauma. Prior to beginning my own private practice, I worked with mental health agencies, residential treatment centers, and various local schools to provide counseling services to those in need...
As the result of my work with a wide array of individuals with a variety of different mental health needs, I believe true healing must be viewed from an all-encompassing therapeutic approach that considers the whole person. This includes aspects such as their identity/sense of self, upbringing, traumas, interpersonal relationships, personality, as well as their presenting environmental...

Alisha Bashaw

Denver

Colorado

I see life as a story, and we hold the pens to our next steps. Some chapters of our stories are wonderful, some are more difficult, and all of them combined make us who we are. I believe that everyone has much to tell, and I'd love to hear your story. I am passionate about helping people live the lives they desire, holding space for mystery and wonder as each person’s path unfolds, and integrat...

Anita Madan

New York

New York

Are you struggling with the feeling of not being fully alive, of feeling stuck or held back in life, of having lost your way? I help people reconnect with their lost sense of who they are and develop the capacity and courage to live more full and meaningful lives. My approach is holistic and grounded in a mind-body perspective that emphasizes developing and deepening your awareness and experien...
I provide a safe, supportive relationship where you can explore issues and grow without judgment. I draw from several psychotherapeutic approaches and use what clients are comfortable with yet challenged by such as: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy, Attachment theory, Psychodynamic therapy, couples/family counseling...
I have a passion to help others live a better life and guide them through their journey of self-exploration and change. I believe in providing a safe place for clients to be, to experience unconditional acceptance and genuineness. I believe in the importance of using different therapeutic techniques depending on client’s needs and the situation. My counseling techniques include person-centered,...
Welcome, If you are reading this it is likely that you are considering therapy for you or someone close to you. Finding a therapist can take time, and I am here to answer any questions you may have and explore if we would work well together. I recognize that therapy is a very vulnerable process and a strong therapeutic relationship is so important. I use a variety of interventions to individual...

Ross Rutherford

Denver

Colorado

The complex issues of life, from trauma, grief and loss to depression and anxiety can be overwhelming. The seemingly less complex issues of life, like life transitions and general life satisfaction can be equally overwhelming when we face them alone. This is the true value of therapy. An existential humanistic approach to therapy is a fancy way of saying that the trials of the human experience ...
Everyone needs help sometimes. Life comes with challenges and finding support is important in order to face them, especially when the challenges feel like more than we can handle on our own. I truly believe that every person has the strength they need to face these challenges with the right support in place. I am here to offer whatever support is needed: a safe place to freely speak your mind...