Therapy: Existential Therapy

Existential therapy is a unique form of psychotherapy that seeks to explore difficulties from a philosophical perspective.

It focuses on the human condition and existence as a whole and it highlights our capacities and encourages us to take responsibility for our actions and our successes.

Existential psychotherapy is largely based on the premise that emotional and psychological difficulties can be associated with an inner conflict caused by an individual's confrontation with the so called ‘givens of existence’. The existential approach does not delve into the past but looks at the here and now, exploring the human condition and its challenges as a whole and what it means for an individual.

The fundamental belief that underpins existential therapy is that all people experience intrapsychic conflict due to their interaction with certain conditions  (‘existential given of life’) inherent in human existence and these are linked to issues around freedom and associated responsibility, Death, Isolation and Meaninglessness.

A confrontation with any of the aforementioned conditions, or givens, may lead to an angst and sense dread commonly referred to as existential anxiety. Such anxiety can reduce a person’s physical, psychological, social, and spiritual awareness, which may lead to significant long-term psychological and physiological consequences.

Existential psychotherapy aims to help people to not only address the emotional difficulties faced but also to take responsibility for the decisions that may have contributed to the development of those issues.

The existential therapy will guide you to accept your fears and offer skills necessary to overcome these fears through action.