Have you started to feel overwhelmed without a reason? You’re not alone. Many people go through this realisation and often question the meaning and purpose of their lives. If you’ve found yourself thinking along these lines, existential therapy could be a helpful solution.
Unlike traditional therapies, existential therapy offers a more profound approach. It encourages you to explore fundamental questions about your existence, like freedom, responsibility and meaning.
In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at what is existential therapy, its uses, benefits and all about holistic well-being.
What is existential therapy?
Existential therapy is a kind of psychotherapy that employs existential philosophy. This philosophy focuses on your free will and self-determination. The core idea behind existential therapy meaning is that psychological problems don’t always stem from mental illness. Instead, they often arise from the inherent challenges of being human, such as isolation, death, freedom and the search for purpose.
Existential therapy theory has its roots linked to philosophers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche and Jean-Paul Sartre. A key belief in this approach is that individuals have the freedom to determine their oath in life, and with that freedom comes the responsibility for their choices. Therapists using this method help clients explore their beliefs, values and assumptions, encouraging them to live more authentically and build a life that feels meaningful.
What are the uses of existential therapy?
If you’re wondering, what is existential therapy used to treat? Here’s a list:
- Depression and anxiety
- It helps people who are going through grief and loss
- Life transitions and identity crisis
- Addiction and substance abuse
- Solve relationship issues
- It helps deal with a general sense of meaninglessness or dissatisfaction with life
How does existential therapy work?
Unlike therapies that focus mainly on symptom relief, existential therapy encourages you to face your deeper fears and insecurities. It doesn’t aim to eliminate anxiety, but rather helps you understand and respond to it in a meaningful way. The therapist acts as a guide and not an authority figure, in this approach.
Sessions often involve open-ended questions that prompt reflection on your values, beliefs and goals, helping you align your actions with your true self.
What are the different techniques of existential therapy?
Here are the commonly used types of existential therapy techniques:
- Phenomenological Exploration: Encourages non-judgmental reflection on personal experiences to build self-awareness.
- Socratic dialogue: Involves open-ended questioning to help you examine your beliefs, behaviours and choices.
- Mindfulness: While not a core technique, being fully present can support anxiety management and deepen self-reflection.
- Authenticity and values clarification: Helps you identify and live in alignment with your core values for a more authentic life.
Benefits of existential therapy
The positive impact of existential treatment has been broadly acknowledged. Here are some of the key benefits of existential therapy:
- Greater self-awareness: Helps you learn about your motivations, fears and desires.
- Improved sense of responsibility: Encourages responsibility and accountability for your actions and choices.
- Better emotional resilience: Builds psychological strength to face life’s uncertainties.
- Clarity of purpose: Helps build a clearer sense of meaning and direction.
- Stronger relationships: Enhances your ability to connect with others and build stronger bonds.
Potential risks of existential therapy
Here are some potential risks of existential therapy:
- Emotional discomfort: Exploring deep themes like death or freedom may initially increase anxiety.
- Lack of structure: The open-ended, philosophical nature can feel abstract or overwhelming for some.
- Not ideal for severe mental illness: It may not be appropriate as a standalone approach for acute psychiatric disorders.
Who should avoid existential therapy?
While existential therapy can be transformative, it may not suit everyone. Individuals with severe depression or psychosis often require more structured, intensive care. Those seeking short-term, solution-focused therapy or who are uncomfortable with deep philosophical reflection may also find this approach less effective.
In such cases, a more structured therapeutic method aligned with psychiatric treatment may be more appropriate.
FAQs
- How long does existential therapy last?
The duration varies. Some people might see improvement from short-term interventions, while others need to engage in long-term therapy.
- Is existential therapy evidence-based?
While some sources suggest a growing body of evidence supporting existential therapy's effectiveness, it's generally considered to have a less robust evidence base compared to some other evidence-based therapies. Always consult a professional to determine whether existential therapy is the right choice for your specific goals.
- Can I use existential therapy alongside other treatments?
Yes, existential therapy may be used alongside other treatments, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), medication or group therapy. Combining approaches can offer a more comprehensive treatment plan, addressing both existential concerns and other mental health needs. It's important to consult with your therapist or healthcare professional to determine the best approach for your situation.
Conclusion
If you are troubled with questions about purpose, freedom and authenticity, existential therapy may provide valuable insights to help you navigate these concerns. For those considering therapy, it’s important to explore your options for mental health coverage. Securing a comprehensive health insurance policy can make professional therapy more accessible, ensuring you get the support you need. Additionally, a critical illness insurance plan can offer financial security in case of a serious diagnosis. Ultimately, mental health is just as vital as physical health and both deserve the right care and support systems.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It may contain outdated data and information regarding the Insurance industry and products. It is advised to verify the currency and relevance of the data and information before taking any major steps. ICICI Lombard is not liable for any inaccuracies or consequences resulting from the use of this outdated information.