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

Stephen Hirsch

New York

New York

I am a psychotherapist and work with adults, adolescents, couples and families providing both short-term and long term-psychotherapy. I practice therapy based on cognitive and relational theories, with a strengths-based approach geared to helping people reach their full potential in all life areas. I employ elements of motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and structural famil...

Saima Toppa

New York

New York

Therapy is a sacred space for you to process difficult emotions and clarify your life path. Whether you are going through a painful transition or seeking additional support, therapy can be a monumental step in building a foundation for emotional stability and self-confidence. I strive to provide a compassionate, judgment-free, and affirming space for clients to verbalize past and current...
IN-PERSON & TELEHEALTH AVAILABLE - Finding the right therapist can feel overwhelming. I'm here for you. I value a collaborative therapeutic alliance built on trust and a willingness to work together to meet treatment goals. I believe in the importance of listening to my patients, as well as offering both empathy and guidance. I employ a client-centered approach to build strong therapeutic...

Joyce Zymeck

Tucson

Arizona

Are you feeling stressed, sad, in pain, anxious…or all of the above? Do you think you "should" feel happy, but you don't--and you're not sure why or what to do about it? Or maybe you're grieving a loss or a trauma & feeling lost yourself. No matter what you're facing, I'm here to help!! I have over 13 years of experience counseling diverse people from all walks of life. I use empathy, honesty,...
The time is now. Today is the day to remember that it's just one moment at a time, one breath at a time. Taking a moment to reconnect with the feeling centers inside in a safe and calm way. Through talk therapy and non-judgmental creative exploration with color, texture, earth based materials, 2-D/3-D elements,etc., we can work on processing, communication and strengthening your personal tools ...
I am a webcam-based clinical psychologist, licensed in New York and New Jersey, and a Diplomat of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. I specialize in integrating cognitive behavior therapy with meditation, mindfulness and existential self-inquiry. I work with clients who are challenged by habits of thinking, feeling and acting that are interfering with reaching their goals. I als...

Sterling H Brown

Albuquerque

New Mexico

*Note: I am currently utilizing a wait list for new clients with an average 4-6 week wait* The variety of mental health concerns and problems are as vast and diverse as any other category of medical concern. This is why | approach every client with a compassion and skill to help each individual or couple specific to their needs, not to their diagnosis. Having worked in counseling and inpatient...

Raelle Claire Kaia

Portland

Oregon

In my work as a counselor, I assist clients in healing and growth by fostering openness and self-empowerment. I help my clients understand their experiences by taking their past into account, as well as their current environment. Childhood relationships with primary caregivers, past trauma, existential or spiritual concerns, current environmental stressors, and unmet needs are integral to menta...

David Richard Dunlap

Boulder

Colorado

I work with adults, Veterans and adults who have acquired head injuries from their youth through early adulthood. There are many reasons that someone may be seeking a counselor. Whatever your reason, I will meet it with an open mind and open heart. I see the counseling relationship as one of mutual learning and growth. So long as you are motivated to learn and grow, I am willing to join you on...
I enjoy connecting with college-age and adult individuals who seek relief from grief and loss, stress and anxiety, and relationship concerns. My work with couples centers around the emotional bond between partners and healing from wounds such as infidelity. As an LGBTQ ally, I have a particular interest in providing a safe space for those who identify as gay, queer, trans and/or gender...

Tina Nighman-Power

New York

New York

Being a human on this planet may bring difficulties that can have a major impact on how we live, how we love, how we work, and how we play. Life's challenges, losses, and traumas can leave us feeling lost, alone, disconnected, damaged, stuck, and unable to live to our fullest capacity, in spite of our best efforts. These challenges can permeate all aspects of life, including: relationships, wor...

James Benoit

Tacoma

Washington

In seeking support, you have shifted your perspective toward growth and healing. Human beings are social creatures. We need others. We are hurt by others. We heal in relation to others. We all need support during the challenging times life throws our way. You may feel like you have been here before, and that's normal. You have likely tried countless approaches to resolve a conflict and have run...
These are chaotic times. Whether you are suffering immense distress or striving to actualize your ideal self, it is likely that there is a psychologist who can help you with what you are seeking. I would be honored to be that psychologist. I am a generalist and have worked with the full spectrum of adult and older adolescent diagnoses. That said, I am most skilled in working with Anxiety,...
My ideal client is an individual seeking freedom from emotional and psychological pain. My clients see me in order to gain independence from the pain of trauma, chronic illness, addiction, and existential crisis. My client's learn new ways of thinking about the world and their place in it. They learn to live as "a part of" and not "apart from". Their relationships are enhanced, their quality of...
ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!!! I enjoy working with a wide variety of people. I believe by providing a safe space through compassion, validation, empathy, patience, and support, the counseling relationship will flourish, and my clients will have success in their future endeavors. I utilize a variety of techniques and theories based on the needs of my clients. Some of the therapeutic approaches that I...