Existential therapy, created out of the existential philosophy tradition, is a treatment orientation based that focuses on the human condition as a whole. One of the primary goals of existential therapy is to help clients face life and its anxieties head on and to embrace the freedom of choice humans have, taking full responsibility for their choices as they do so. Therapists trained in existential therapy believe that unhealthy or undesirable behaviors result from an inhibited ability to make authentic, self-directed choices about how to live. Therefore, in therapy, an existential counselor will work with you to focus on your own responsibility and freedom. You will be challenged to think and behave responsibly by confronting internal thoughts, rather than outside pressures. Existential therapy seeks to help clients live more authentically, to be focused on the present (not the past), to be less concerned with superficiality and to find meaning in their lives. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s existential therapy specialists today.
In therapy, I’ll help you develop a stronger sense of self and make decisions you can stand behind. With new insight, you’ll have a greater understanding of who you are, what you want out of life, and how to achieve that vision for yourself. My approach in therapy is grounded in a philosophy called existential-analysis. This theory focuses on how one can live a more fulfilling life through an active, self-responsible approach and authentic decision making.
— Abby Wilson, Clinical Social Worker in Houston, TXMeaning & purpose in life can help us survive the toughest situations. Unfortunately society often describes it as "finding meaning" so we keep hoping it will happen to us, or we are prescribed a purpose/meaning through religion, family, career, identity, etc. that may no longer be a good fit. Existential therapy helps us recognize that we have the power & responsibility to decide what is meaningful to us, create opportunities to nurture it, & re-evaluate it over the course of our life.
— Ashton Burdick, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Cleveland, NCProviding existential therapy, I help entrepreneurs explore deeper meaning and purpose in their lives. Existential therapy focuses on addressing life’s big questions, embracing freedom, and finding personal responsibility. My approach empowers clients to navigate stress, burnout, and self-doubt while aligning their actions with core values, fostering resilience, clarity, and a greater sense of fulfillment.
— Jennifer Gray, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, ORSo much of what we encounter in our world challenges our beliefs about ourselves, our world, and the meaning of being alive. I think that discussing these big topics in therapy is a great way for us to better connect with our deepest values and bring meaning and purpose to our lives.
— Anthony Rodriguez, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Evanston, ILI use tenets of Gestalt and Existential therapy in my work, as I believe that we all gravitate naturally towards self-determination and holistic congruence. Self-examination and self-awareness are key steps for this - supported in therapy. I use tenets of Gestalt therapy in association with existential therapy: such as immediacy, the therapeutic relationship, and individual responsibility.
— Neil Panchmatia, Counselor in Portland, ORExistential Therapy is based on existential philosophy and is focused on identifying what is meaningful to you individually, and identifying how core anxieties (Death, Freedom, Isolation, and Meaninglessness) are impacting you and working through that.
— Christie Cunningham, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York, NYMy graduate training at Seattle University was centered on existential therapy. I'm deeply informed by existential therapists such as Irvin Yalom and Ernesto Spinelli, and also informed by existential thinkers and writers who understood the human condition in ways that are useful for therapy.
— Jon Wallis, Therapist in Long Island City, NYIt is always a good time to work on existential concerns and to prepare for future life stages. Such work softens the present moment and expands the quality of life. I am also a passionate plant person and work with plant and mineral essences in my practice. Further, I am trained as a hypnotherapist and doula and have a clear calling to support people through transitional times in life.
— Erin Mullins, Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WAAn existential approach to therapy emphasizes the importance of the meaning that each person makes in life and that the path that one takes can only be understood in the context of their unique life experience. This means that the questions, "Who am I?" and "What is the meaning of life" is a personal journey that, ultimately, only the individual can discover for themselves.
— Matthew Beeble, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Vancouver, WAMy existential approach guides you to explore meaning, freedom, and personal values through open dialogue and reflection. Together, we confront uncertainty, clarify purpose, and cultivate a more authentic sense of self in the face of life’s complexities.
— Eric Hulsing, Licensed Professional Counselor in Fort Collins, CO"What is the meaning of life?" is an eternally joked about question, but when we do not have our own personal answer to this question it often leads to mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and interpersonal conflict. I support clients to ask the deep questions, seek and understand their core values, and find meaning in their life as a way to reduce negative symptoms and bring about positive mental health.
— eric bjorlin, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Chicago, ILExistential psychotherapy is deeply life affirming and is rooted in the belief that change is always possible. It is aimed to assist with issues that arise from being human—or, simply “existing”, to which no one is immune. Goals include to increase self-awareness, take responsibility of life, relate better to others, self-acceptance, and to live authentically. Existential therapists are curious, genuine and conversational. Therapeutic work includes dialogue, creativity, dream work and more.
— Lauren Dayan Hunter, Psychotherapist in New Orleans, LAI believe that experiencing both joy and pain is what makes us human. My goal when sitting with you is not to "fix" you or to change the ways in which you show up as a human, but to embrace what makes you, "you". Themes like choice, freedom, purpose often come up in my sessions; I am interested in helping you figure out whether what you are doing is truly what you want to do with your life.
— Nancy Juscamaita, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WALife is about finding your individual meaning, purpose, and direction. This is the only defense we have against the random horrible things that happen to us. Perhaps the best way to describe this type of therapy is to give you the name of two books to read: "Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Frankl and "The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients" by Irvin D. Yalom.
— Gregory Custer, Licensed Professional Counselor in Scottsdale, AZExistential therapy is all about looking for meaning, purpose, and exploring identity. Who are we? What are we doing here? What's it all for? If you're asking questions like these, existential therapy is for you.
— Grace Wood, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TXWe all want purpose. We all want meaning. But tackling questions such as "What does it mean to be alive?" or "What provides me meaningful joy?" is a difficult, lifelong venture. I use Existential Therapy to help you look at the choices you make, and calibrate authenticity as the compass bearing for navigating life. By helping you understand the ways you keep and break faith with yourself, you can chart a course for a more expansive, self-determined life.
— Blake Locher, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR