Embracing Suffering and Growth: The Role of Existential Therapy in Mental Health
- Chris Spadaccino | Crisis Counselor | Guest Writer
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Existential therapy is a unique approach to psychotherapy that focuses on exploring the fundamental aspects of human existence, such as freedom, death, isolation, and meaning. Rooted in existential philosophy, this therapeutic model encourages individuals to confront the realities of life rather than avoid them, fostering personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, the current most popular form of therapy, seeks to identify and challenge harmful thinking patterns. Taking a different approach to the difficulties in an individual's life, existential thinking promotes a change in mindset to one that sees suffering as a unique opportunity for growth rather than an obstacle to be avoided. By facing suffering, individuals can develop resilience, gain insight into their values, and ultimately shape a life that aligns with their deeper sense of purpose.
The Search for Meaning and Its Relevance
A core aspect of existential therapy is the search for meaning. Nearly three in five young adults (58%) have reported experiencing a lack of meaning or purpose in their lives over the past month. Additionally, half of young adults stated that uncertainty about their future negatively impacted their mental health.
As individuals transition from childhood to adulthood, the pressures of life and the pursuit of success often leave them questioning: What is this all for? Existential therapy attempts to help the individual answer this question by encouraging self-reflection. Oftentimes, the answer to this question remains in the unconscious, but can be uncovered with help.
Viktor Frankl and the Birth of Logotherapy
Viktor Frankl, an Austrian psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and Holocaust survivor, developed a unique branch of existential therapy known as logotherapy during his time in multiple concentration camps. Frankl emphasized that meaning is not something to be passively discovered but actively created. He suggests that individuals can find purpose by embracing their unique experiences and choosing how they respond to life's challenges.
He details a story of counseling two suicidal fellow prisoners, each mentioning that they can no longer go on. Frankl recognized that one man had a child on the outside, and another was writing a series of books he had not yet finished, and it could only be completed by him. This story draws attention to the importance of a unique individual's responsibilities that ultimately lay the groundwork for finding meaning in the darkness.
In my work supporting individuals in crisis, helping reveal those unique qualities can provide the strength to get through difficult times. There was a time I was speaking with someone who was experiencing suicidal thoughts. They shared that life felt so hard, they didn’t see a reason to keep going. Hearing this reminded me that everyone—no matter how lost they feel—has something meaningful that can give them a reason to hold on.
We explored this together, and they opened up about their love for poetry. They even shared some of their work with me, and I could see how much it meant to them. Poetry became a window into their sense of worth and creativity—something uniquely theirs. In that moment, they began to reconnect with their value, and it reminded me that everyone carries a spark of worth, even if it gets dimmed by pain.
Finding Meaning in Life Through Existential Therapy
If an individual is attempting to find meaning in their own life, existential therapy encourages them to engage in self-reflection and take ownership of their choices. Rather than feeling trapped by circumstances, they are empowered to recognize their personal freedom and control over responses.
This process often involves identifying what truly matters to them, whether it be relationships, creative pursuits, personal growth, or contributing to something greater than themselves. When attempting to recognize what matters to them, the big picture can often cloud that thinking. What matters varies from individual to individual and can be the smallest thing; one is encouraged to think of anything that might bring the feeling of happiness and growth.
I was talking to an older gentleman about the anxiety and depression he was experiencing around aging and feeling disconnected from the world around him. As we talked, we focused on the small things in life that still brought him joy. He shared that he enjoyed journaling before bed, especially writing about old memories and reflecting on his day.
Together, we came up with the idea to expand his journaling to include the beauty he currently sees in life—whether it’s a moment in nature or time spent with family. This gave him something new to look forward to each day and helped him embrace a more hopeful perspective on aging. This experience emphasizes how even the smallest things in our lives can have a profound impact.
Practical Strategies for Finding Meaning
The journey of self-reflection may feel overwhelming at first, but it often begins with simple acts of self-care or moments of kindness. From there, it can grow into something much more meaningful—helping us reconnect with ourselves, our purpose, and the world around us.
Here are strategies that can help in this process:
Engage in Self-Reflection: Take time to identify your core values, passions, and what truly brings you fulfillment.
Embrace Responsibility: Recognize that you have the power to shape your own life and take ownership of your choices.
Build Strong Relationships: Connection with others can provide a sense of belonging and purpose.
Pursue Personal Growth: Engaging in creative projects, education, or new experiences can help cultivate a deeper sense of meaning.
Help Others: Contributing to the well-being of others through acts of kindness or service can provide a strong sense of fulfillment.
Conclusion: Empowerment Through Existential Therapy
Existential therapy provides a framework for individuals to navigate life with resilience and purpose. By confronting existential concerns and actively seeking meaning, people can cultivate a deeper sense of fulfillment and psychological well-being.
In a world where many struggle with questions of identity and purpose, existential therapy offers a guiding light toward self-discovery and personal empowerment.
Reference:
Making Caring Common. (2023). On edge: Understanding and preventing young adults’ mental health challenges. https://mcc.gse.harvard.edu/reports/on-edge
Chris Spadaccino
Crisis Counselor | Guest Writer of Moody Melon Magazine
I’m a junior at Texas State University majoring in Psychology. I’m passionate about supporting others on their mental health journeys and deeply believe that no matter where someone starts, with belief and effort, they can grow into something greater than they ever imagined.
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