Introduction to Existential Psychotherapy
The goal of this document is to provide a brief description of how I apply an existential approach to
working with clients. While no one single document can describe every aspect of the therapy process, I
hope this helps you determine if my style will be a good “fit” for your therapeutic needs.
Tenets of Existential Psychotherapy
Today, there are many different psychological theories and ways to conduct therapy. All of these
approaches contain assumptions and beliefs about how mental health difficulties develop and affect
one’s life. These different theories influence how therapists view the presenting concerns of their clients
as well as how they conduct their sessions.
Existential psychotherapists believe that there are certain qualities, aspects, challenges, and limits of life
that we all experience; these are existential “givens” that can affect a person regardless of age, race,
gender, religious affiliation, etc. Existential practitioners believe that many of the difficulties that bring
people to therapy are the result of one not being able to embrace and effectively work with these
challenges. Here are some common life challenges that we can examine in therapy:
Freedom and Responsibility: Do you feel that you lack a sense of control in your life? Life can seem very
difficult if one feels at the mercy of both external (i.e., other people or environmental factors) and
internal (emotional) influences. Existential psychotherapists view individuals as having autonomy,
agency, and freedom in choosing their actions and creating the direction of their daily lives. We can
examine together how you are utilizing, or avoiding, this freedom, and the effect that it is having on
your sense of wellbeing.
Meaninglessness: Another “given” of existential psychotherapy is that one’s life lacks a predetermined
fate or sense of meaning; we are all in charge of writing our own life “story.” Existential therapy can help
people meet this challenge to create a life that is personally meaningful by helping them explore and
clarify their unique personal values. The development of personal values is an ongoing, ever-changing
process; existential therapy provides an opportunity to reflect on one’s changing sense of self and
develop strategies to continue to feel like one is living in a manner consistent with his or her values.
Isolation: Each individual’s existence is, in many ways, separate and unique to them. It is impossible, in
the view of an existential practitioner, to completely experience life precisely the same way as another
person; there will always be a gap between our personal subjective experiences and the experiences of
others. However, it is still possible to develop healthy, meaningful, supportive relationships with others
in spite of this interpersonal distance. Figuring out how to develop this sense of congruence with one’s
sense of self, others, and world can be a challenging and important part of therapy.
Death: Like it or not, we all have a limited time to enjoy our lives. Existential therapy embraces this
truth, as awareness of one’s mortality can serve as a powerful source of motivation for creating a
meaningful life and making each day count. Understanding your views and awareness of your own
mortality may provide a useful backdrop for examining your other emotional concerns.
How Does Therapy Work?
The role of an existential therapist is not to lead, provide instruction, or guide the client to a particular
answer or strategy to address their presenting concerns. It is tempting to view a clinical professional as
an “expert” or “teacher” while participating in therapy. Existential therapy, however, views clients as the
true experts of their lives, and places emphasis on helping clients assume greater responsibility for their
own decisions. This is done by helping clients explore how their various physical, emotional,
interpersonal, and spiritual experiences affect their lives. This exploration, along with an examination of
the clients’ current worldviews, may result in the client developing new ways of relating to their current
challenges.
Risks of Existential Therapy
Existential therapy, like all other forms of psychotherapy, may not be appropriate or successful for every
client. While existential therapy places great emphasis on the current choices and responsibilities facing
clients, it can also examine the ways that clients relate to their past. This exploration of a client’s views
on his or her past, while potentially therapeutic, may also create emotionally intense reactions. Every
effort will be made to ensure that clients feel safe discussing emotionally intense material while in
session. Existential therapy does not place emphasis on structured techniques, treatment manuals, or
“homework” assignments, and may be an unfamiliar experience to clients who have participated in
therapy of other theoretical orientations.
Is Existential Therapy a Good Fit for Me?
The only way to know for sure is to schedule an appointment! However, prominent existential
psychotherapist and author Emmy Van Deurzen (as cited in Cooper, 2003, p. 111) identifies that clients
who have the following characteristics may work well with an existential therapy approach:
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Accepts – or is open to – the idea that their problem is with living, rather than a form of
pathology.
Is not looking for immediate symptom relief, or expects the outcome of therapy to be a ‘smooth
and perfect’ life.
Has a critical mind and a desire to think, and is not looking for another’s opinion on what ails
them.
Is ready to take stock of their lives – to question themselves and be questioned.
Is someone who questions the status quo, rather than wanting to fit in and be ‘normal’.
How Do I Schedule an Appointment?
I can be contacted at 410-800-2169 x 5826 or mdonovan@bpointwellness.com to schedule an initial
psychosocial assessment. I look forward to working with you!
Works Cited
Cooper, M. (2003). Existential Therapies. London: SAGE Publications, Ltd.