A therapeutic approach that addresses fundamental human concerns such as meaning, freedom, death, and isolation. It helps clients confront existential anxiety and take responsibility for creating meaning and authentic choices in their lives.
Developed from existential philosophy of the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly the works of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Sartre. The term 'existential' comes from Latin 'existentia' (existence), emphasizing that existence precedes essence—we exist first, then create our meaning and identity through choices.
Existential therapy doesn't try to eliminate anxiety—it recognizes that some anxiety comes from being human and having to make choices without guarantees! It's the only therapy that directly addresses the 'big questions' like 'Why am I here?' and 'What's the point of it all?' treating these as legitimate therapeutic concerns.
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