Existential Approaches Flashcards
(16 cards)
Existentialism
- A therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals explore and confront the fundamental questions of existence, such as the search for meaning, freedom, responsibility, and death.
- It emphasizes the importance of personal choice and the inherent human capacity to create meaning in the face of life’s challenges.
- Existential therapy aims to help individuals develop a stronger sense of self, live more authentically, and find purpose in their lives
Who is Viktor Frankle
- An existentialist
- Grew up in a concentration camp - he observed what was going on arounf him and how people were dealing with the suffering
Frankle - Logotherapy
- Focus on meaning as central motivational force for humans
- Emphasizes the “will to meaning.” (those who lost a sense of meaning were much worse)
- Techniques include helping clients identify values, life purposes, and reframing suffering as an opportunity for meaning.
What book did Frankle write?
“Man’s Search for Meaning” (originally titled Ein Psychologe erlebt das Konzentrationslager, “A Psychologist Experiences the Concentration Camp”)
Frankle - patient with deceeced wife
An older man went to him who was very sad because he lost his wife (negative emotions) - this is a real loss (alarm)
- He realized one of them were going to have to die first, if he died first she would have to bear the sadness he is feeling and he would rather that be him which helps him deal with the suffering (gives it meaning)
- Took something real (a real fact) and interpreted it how he wanted to
- Sources of meaning are predictable: comes from our relationships, work, activities
What are existential fears?
Existential fears are deep-seated anxieties or concerns about existence, meaning, and the nature of life and reality. These fears often arise from contemplating the larger questions of life, mortality, and purpose
- They are very human
Examples of existential fears:
- Fear of death and nonexistence
- Fear of meaninglessness
- Fear of freedom and responsibility - we are free and because of that we have a lot of responsibility
- Fear of isolation and solitude - only we have access to our insides and we want to share that with others but it can be difficult
- Fear of change and impermanence
- Fear of the unknown
- Fear of lack of control
- Fear of insignificance in the universe
- Fear of progress or technological overreach
- Fear of inauthenticity - organizing life too much on external pressures and ignoring what’s inside
Freedom and Responsibility Assumption
Humans are free to make choices, but this freedom comes with the responsibility for the consequences of those choices.
Search for Meaning Assumption
A fundamental human drive is the search for meaning, purpose, and connection in life.
Inevitability of Death Assumption
Awareness of mortality shapes how individuals understand life and make meaning of their existence.
Isolation and Relationship Assumption
While humans crave connection, each person ultimately faces the reality of being alone in their subjective experience of life.
Confrontation with Anxiety Assumption
Anxiety is an inherent part of the human condition, arising from awareness of freedom, responsibility, mortality, and uncertainty.
Authenticity and Inauthenticity Assumption
Living authentically involves embracing one’s freedom, values, and individuality, while inauthenticity arises from conforming to external pressures or denying existential realities.
The Present Moment Assumption
The present is where life occurs, and individuals must engage fully with it rather than being overly focused on the past or future.
Human Capacity for Self-Reflection Assumption
Humans have the unique ability to reflect on their existence, choices, and potential, which can lead to growth or existential distres
The Paradox of Suffering and Growth
Struggling with existential concerns can lead to personal growth, resilience, and a deeper understanding of oneself
