Existential Therapy
A philosophically informed therapy that explores fundamental concerns about meaning, freedom, isolation, and mortality as they relate to psychological distress.
What Is Existential Therapy?
Existential therapy is a philosophically informed psychotherapy that explores fundamental human concerns, such as meaning, freedom, choice, isolation, and mortality, as they relate to a person’s psychological distress, rather than focusing primarily on symptom reduction techniques.
How It Works
This approach is based on the premise that psychological distress can arise from unresolved struggles with fundamental aspects of existence, and that exploring these themes openly can support greater authenticity and meaning in life. This description reflects general existential therapy principles using original language.
What Happens During Therapy?
Sessions typically involve open, reflective dialogue exploring a person’s values, choices, sense of meaning, and relationship to core existential concerns, rather than structured exercises or symptom-focused techniques.
Evidence and Effectiveness
Research on existential therapy specifically is more limited compared to structured therapies like CBT, though some evidence supports its use for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and distress related to serious illness or life transitions.
Who May Benefit?
Existential therapy may be considered for people grappling with questions of meaning, identity, mortality, or major life transitions, particularly those drawn to a reflective, philosophically oriented approach.
Limitations and Considerations
The evidence base for existential therapy is smaller and less standardized than for more manualized therapies, and its open-ended, philosophical focus may not suit those seeking specific symptom-focused techniques.
Finding a Qualified Therapist
Existential therapy is practiced by psychologists and other mental health professionals with specific training in existential and humanistic approaches.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
Existential therapy is often longer-term and open-ended given its exploratory focus, though format and length vary according to the person and clinician.
Therapy vs. Medication
Existential therapy is a psychotherapy approach; medication may be appropriate for certain co-occurring conditions in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
What Conditions Is It Used For?
Related Therapy Types
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines.
- American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies.