Existential Therapy

Cited by researchers as an essential component of effective therapy, interpreting client struggles through the lens of existential givens (interrelation, death, isolation, freedom, responsibility) provides a deeper analyses of what may be missing from a person's pursuit of meaningful living. I draw from exceptional study of these approaches, including mentoring from leaders in the field (such as Irvin Yalom and Bruce Wampold). This approach is also the least pathologizing approach.

When clients first begin therapy, one of the questions that often comes up is what it means to work through emotions or traumas. From the perspective of Existential Therapy, we address the meaning that these experiences hold for you, which comes from our ability to build context foresight around them. If the past still hurts, or if the future holds too many mysteries, it is worth exploring the meaning that we derive from our life's story as a whole.

Cited by therapy researchers as an essential component of all effective therapies, interpreting client struggles through the lens of existential givens (interrelation, death, isolation, freedom, responsibility) provides a deeper analyses of what may be missing from a person's pursuit of meaningful living. I draw from exceptional study of these approaches, including mentoring from leaders in the field (such as Irvin Yalom and Bruce Wampold).

Comes from the thought that: The way I am today may stem from the way I was raised, treated, or experienced the world namely as a child. I like to pay attention to and point out possible links that parents, ones' environment and/or through ones' vicarious learning (various imprints have engraved) and/or attached our blank infantile slate.

Existential Therapy focuses on free will, self-determination, and the search for meaning. This approach often centers on you rather than on the symptom you are experiencing. The approach emphasizes your capacity to make rational choices and to develop to your maximum potential.

It is not easy to discuss meaning making and the concepts of life and death with our social circle or friend group. I am here to provide the space for you to evaluate the human condition, your place within it and what it all means to you.

The existential components of my therapeutic approach involve facilitating self-exploration of how each client understands the world around them and their place in it, allowing them to identify what it looks like to them to live meaningfully and intentionally.

It 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.

I believe that key aspects of existential therapy such as guilt, anxiety, responsibility, meaning, and death are important to not ignore. I also believe that these principles can guide people when they appear to be "stuck" on something, and can appropriately challenge thinking patterns to create long lasting positive changes.

Considering the deeper issues of what it means to be human and exist at this time and in this place. Trying to figure out what the heck it's all about anyway. What do I believe? What do I think is BS? What happens when I die? What is death? Why am I here? What is the point of life? Will I make a difference? What matters most?

Existential-humanistic therapy seeks to create a therapeutic relationship and environment that fosters deepening awareness of oneself, including issues of meaning, choice, relationships, and working with one's potential and limitations. Rollo May, one of the founders of this approach, noted that the purpose of psychotherapy is to set people free.

Where do you find meaning? What is important to you? What does happiness look like to you? Who or what are you living for? The idea that only we can define or determine our own purpose and path is daunting and overwhelming, but can also be liberating and life-affirming.

I believe that life's struggles and questions have the power to bring meaning and purpose to our existence. I provide a warm, supportive environment to help individuals explore and understand their experiences, feelings and beliefs. My approach integrates elements of existential, humanistic, and psychodynamic theories to help you understand yourself and your place in the world. Let's work together to empower you in your journey towards personal growth and fulfillment.

Life is better with positive experiences of people, places, and purpose. The three "P's" play an important role in our overall contentedness with life. Part of how I work with clients is to determine the impact of people, places, and purpose on your current functioning. Then we collaborate to find ways to improve the roll of the three "P's" in your life. This type of therapy is often associated with identity development and can be helpful in life transitions, adjustment disorders, and more.

Existential-humanistic therapy is a relational approach that recognizes the importance of creating a therapy environment that helps clients deepen their awareness of themselves. Existential-humanistic therapy also recognizes the importance of addressing issues of freedom and responsibility, meaning, relationships, and working with one's potential and limitations. Rollo May, one of the founders of this approach, noted that the purpose of psychotherapy is to set people free.

In my philosophical counseling practice, I help clients to work through different versions of the "existential crisis." Together we work through the loss of meaning brought on by experiences of disillusionment or disorienting change; struggles surrounding the "self" brought on by various identity crises (often at quarter-life, mid-life, retirement); and the loss of freedom and authenticity brought on by either "bad faith" or alienation in society.

"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.

In my philosophical counseling practice, I draw on existential thinkers like Nietzsche, Sartre, De Beauvoir, Buber, Frankl to help clients to work through different versions of the "existential crisis." Together we work through the loss of meaning brought on by an experience of disillusionment, the loss of self brought on by various identity crises, and the loss of freedom and authenticity brought on by experiences of alienation, objectification, oppression or "bad faith".