Have you ever felt lost or questioned your purpose? At Helping Hand Therapy, we see these feelings as normal. They are central to existential psychotherapy.
Existential therapy is a type of talk therapy. It explores life, freedom, and meaning. Rather than fixing one problem, it helps you face challenges and find your own answers. An existential therapist helps you find what makes your life meaningful. They guide you to live authentically.
What Is Logotherapy?
Logotherapy helps you find your purpose. Dr. Viktor Frankl created it.
He was a psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor. His time in a concentration camp showed him that people can find meaning, even in tough times. The Greek word “logos” means “meaning.”
Frankl believed our main drive is not pleasure or power, but the search for purpose. We can find meaning in three key ways:
By doing something or creating a work (like a job or project).
By experiencing something or someone (like love or nature).
By our attitude toward unavoidable suffering (like facing illness with courage).
Logotherapy focuses on your reasons for living. It helps you overcome hardship by discovering your true priorities.
Why does this kind of therapy matter?
In our busy world, feeling anxious or empty is common. Existential therapy and logotherapy offer ways to:
Embrace Freedom: You can make your own choices. This therapy helps you understand and take responsibility for that freedom.
Handle Loneliness: It’s normal to feel alone sometimes. This approach helps you see that being alone and feeling lonely are different. It fosters real and meaningful connections.
Face Change: Life brings many changes and unknowns. This therapy helps you become stronger and adapt to life’s challenges.
Resources and References
If you want to learn more about this impactful therapy, these resources are a great start:
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. This book shares Frankl’s story and the core ideas of logotherapy.
The American Journal of Psychotherapy publishes articles and studies on existential psychotherapy.
The International Association of Logotherapy and Existential Analysis offers information on events and a list of certified therapists.
Your Action Plan for Finding Meaning
Start a “Meaning Journal”: Take five minutes daily to write about what gives you purpose. It could be helping a friend, enjoying a sunset, or learning something new.
Make a Values List: What matters most to you? Is it kindness, honesty, family, or creativity? Write down your top five values to guide your choices.
Find a New Experience: Try something new. Visit a park, start a hobby, or read a book on a topic you know little about. New experiences can reveal new layers of meaning.
Volunteer: Choose a cause you care about and volunteer for an hour or two. Helping others is a powerful way to find purpose and connection.
Talk to a professional: These ideas can be deep and hard to explore alone. A trained therapist can guide you in finding meaning in your life. Reach out for a free consultation.
