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

You deserve to live a life in which you feel happy about waking up in the morning. Do you find that in your life, you are dealing with difficult people? Have you been hurt by loved ones playing the victim, and still focusing their anger on you? Leaving you asking what you were doing to make them feel this way? Sometimes this is the case when in a narcissistic partnership. They use gas-lighting ...
Suffering is an inherent part of the human condition, but it doesn't mean that we need to move through it alone. Irvin Yalom, an American Existential Psychiatrist, describes the therapist and client as "fellow travelers". This truly resonates with me, as I believe that a collaborative approach and the steadily cultivated care and trust in the therapeutic relationship can fuel meaningful growth ...
Please come see me even if you have tried therapy many times but still haven't given up on healing! My goal as a therapist is to have a large bag of tools for you so that we can find a technique that you respond to best. I love working with creative people, people who are suffering from anxiety, depression, conflict, people who have chronic pain despite medication adherence and people who are j...

Melinda D Meshad

Los Angeles

California

Wonderful! You are taking the time to care for yourself. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years experience, and am here to assist adults who desire personal satisfaction, healthy relationships, emotional balance, goals, and purpose. I help with issues related to adjusting to life transitions, depression, anxiety, mood cycling, relationship issues, blending families, transitio...

Natalie Woulf

Chicago

Illinois

**NOT CURRENTLY ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS*** I am currently a licensed clinical professional counselor and a certified alcohol and drug counselor. I received my BA in psychology from the University of Arizona and then received my MA in counseling psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, where I specialized in treating both mental health and substance abuse concerns. My experie...
My goal is to empower clients by providing a safe space to be heard and to grow. I believe each person is the expert in their own life and that therapy can provide tools to get past stuck points we all experience. I especially enjoy walking alongside young adults as they work through issues related to college, career, relationships, spirituality, and other “messy stuff.” I have experience...

Jennie Ziesenhenne

Atlanta

Georgia

Whatever your life circumstance, therapy can help you face challenges, set goals, and work through personal and professional issues. Whether you want support dealing with the normal stress of life or help resolving past wounds and trauma rooted in childhood, my approach is to provide you with the highest quality of care and professionalism. We will work together in an open and accepting...
My treatment provides support and practical therapy to the individuals and couples I work with. I help you address the current life challenges you are experiencing and other long-standing issues that may be uncovered. I work with you to help find resolutions to your current concerns and other psychological issues that may be affecting your life. I incorporate a mixture of Existential,...

Russell Johnson

Tucson

Arizona

I like working with individuals with a wide array of problems including: depression, anxiety, anger, trauma, relationship problems, behavioral disorders, substance abuse, impulse control problems, low self-esteem, low self-confidence, family problems, life skills deficits, and problems with decision-making. I have an eclectic approach and I am skilled at cognitive-behavioral therapy, interperso...

Shaina C Fieldstone

Miami

Florida

I am a licensed psychologist experienced in providing research-informed treatment for adults, couples and adolescents, as well as evaluations for children and adults. By creating an open, nurturing, and inquisitive foundation that is safe and open, I hope to be a resource who understands your needs and helps alleviate distress while building on your strengths. I provide short and long-term...
I believe that the world is a beautifully complex, and yet sometimes concerning place. Within our human connections we are able to lighten the load and free ourselves from the burdens we carry. I offer compassionate and individually designed sessions. My approach is strengths based and garnered to find hope and inspiration. In my work I also incorporate theoretical perspectives such as expressi...
In a world that can be chaotic and unpredictable, I help my clients find peace and fulfillment, while lessening anxiety, sadness, shame, and other negative emotions. I work with professionals, students, academics, and couples who have recognized that, despite success in many parts of their lives, something is amiss: you're coping with a new reality, longing for deeper relationships, seeking to...

Marta Rubinart

San Francisco

California

I have worked for more than 20 years in private practice, hospitals, and non-profit organizations, both in Spain and the USA. I have specialized in anxiety disorders, depression, work stress, relationship issues, and existential crises related to life transitions, spiritual growth, grief, chronic illness and end-of-life. My clinical approach integrates depth psychology with cognitive-behavioral...
Feeling overwhelmed and drained by what is currently happening? It's completely understandable in these times. Connection with a therapist can help with these feelings. Therapy can lead to feeling more connected and nourished within yourself and your relationships. It can be so hard to engage in life when there are overwhelming feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness, grief, and confusion. Together,...

Sarah Sherrell

Seattle

Washington

Navigating life during a global pandemic has taken an emotional and physical toll on many. If you are experiencing increased symptoms of anxiety + depression right now, you are not alone. I am here to support you. In your sessions, I offer deep listening as you share your experiences of pain and survival. We will pay attention to your mind-body connection, growing your awareness for the physica...