Existential Therapy

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.

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Meet the specialists

 

I want to help clients find and make meaning and purpose in their lives. I am honest with clients about harsh realities of the human experience in the interest of helping clients come to terms with them and become their most authentic and free selves.

— Kirsten Cannon, Counselor in Memphis, TN

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, TX
 

My 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

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.

— Louis Hoffman, Psychologist in Colorado Springs, CO
 

Our therapists are experienced in existential therapy, humanistic therapy and other holistic therapies incorporating several modalities into their individual practices.

— Natalie Buchwald, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Garden City, NY

Finding meaning, direction, and purpose in life can be some of the greatest sources of anxieties for a person. Existential therapy looks at a person as a whole, in a humanistic context, to look at all the factors affecting a person and how those manifest into anxiety. It centers on deep, introspective discussions to help a person learn how to search for answers to meaning in life, to choose the way they want to live, and help people find connectedness to the world - ultimately reducing anxiety.

— Kate Mageau, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WA
 

Existential 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”. No one is immune to the inherent tragedies of existence. I help my clients increase self-awareness, gain insight, take responsibility of their lives, integrate painful experiences into their life story, relate better to others, accept themselves, and live authentically.

— Lauren Dayan Hunter, Psychotherapist in New Orleans, LA

I am currently a doctoral student at Saybrook University specializing in Existential-Humanistic Psychology, where I am studying the theoretical foundations, historical development, and key concepts of this therapeutic approach while staying up to date with the most recent research..

— Rebecca Wickersham, Licensed Professional Counselor in Boulder, CO
 

Existential 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, LA

Existential therapy asks deep questions about the nature of being human. Why am I here? What do I want from life? What gives me purpose? What matters to me? It simultaneously asks us to consider our unique experience in this world while also helping us to see that everything we're going through is also connected to a universal human experience.

— Damon Dodge, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Denver, CO
 

I have a deep appreciation for the place of meaning in human life.

— Ian Caughlan, Psychotherapist in Columbia, MD

Existential therapy is based on existential philosophy. It emphasizes personal responsibility, living a meaningful life, authenticity, and mortality. As a result, existential theory views anxiety as a natural part of the human experience. Trying to live a meaningful life in a world full of possibilities, yet limited time, can be anxiety-inducing. This approach aims to help people navigate this common human dilemma.

— Connor Tindall, Clinical Psychologist in Berkeley, CA
 

Existentialism informs most of what I do. The idea is that meaning must be created, we can't wait for it to find us! This including helping you accept your role in taking responsibility for yourself and creating the life you desire, while acknowledging the real barriers and supports you might need along the way.

— Andreana Mabry, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA

I think we all have big questions of why we are here and what our purpose is. Let's dig in deep and find what your purpose is and what makes you tick. And shocking - it might not be in your career path. Let's work on creating a life of healing and how to really enjoy this world in the capacity that it is.

— Chase Tucker, Licensed Professional Counselor in Lakewood, CO
 

Especially in this political and social climate, anxiety, dread, and depression can be attributed to the human condition; that is, being a human in this deeply imperfect world is bound to bring with it anxieties, worries, and a sense of loneliness sometimes. Viewing it as a normal, although unpleasant, part of life can help to shift the narrative from pathology, to a temporary feeling that we can use to explore these emotions and how they impact us globally.

— PSYCHe PLLC, Psychologist in Nashville, TN

Feeling lost can be one of the most disorienting and uncomfortable experiences in life. It’s a profoundly human feeling, and yet, it often leaves us feeling isolated, uncertain, and unsure of where to turn. We’re not given a map for how to live well, and it takes immense courage to begin the process of creating your own. Existential therapy helps you explore what your authenticity looks and feels like, the ways that you make meaning in your life, and how death in its many forms plays a role.

— Kallan Palmer, Mental Health Counselor
 

I love working within existential therapy and helping people identify their values and goals in life, and how to live by those. I believe it is important to find purpose and meaning in life that helps us to keep going when times are tough.

— Caley Johnson, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Bellingham, WA