Throughout human life, individuals may occasionally encounter fundamental existential questions such as the search for meaning, uncertainty, loneliness, freedom, responsibility, and the purpose of life. Changes in work life, family relationships, losses, illnesses, retirement, having children, divorce, or unexpected life events may cause a person to re-evaluate himself and his life. The questioning experienced during these processes is not always an indicator of a mental illness. However, prolonged uncertainty, a decrease in life satisfaction, or intense psychological distress may bring up the need for professional support.
This therapy model is a psychotherapy approach that centers on the individual's effort to give meaning to life, his choices, his responsibilities, and his relationship with life. Rather than focusing solely on the symptoms he experiences, this approach aims to evaluate his thoughts, values, relationships, life experiences, and expectations for the future in a holistic manner. During the therapy process, he is supported in developing awareness regarding his own life, taking responsibility for his choices, and moving forward in the direction of a meaningful life for himself.
Existential therapy is not an approach that attempts to provide a single correct answer to the question, "What is the meaning of life?" Instead, it is accepted that each individual's life experience is unique, and how he makes sense of his own values, life goals, and existence is addressed together. Thus, the aim is for the individual to develop a more realistic, flexible, and highly aware perspective regarding his own life.
Existential therapy is not a method developed for a specific age group or a single mental health problem. It is one of the psychotherapy approaches that can be considered during existential inquiries that may arise in different periods of life, the search for identity, decision-making difficulties, uncertainties regarding life purpose, or major life changes. When necessary, as a result of a psychiatric evaluation, it can be planned in conjunction with other psychotherapy methods or medical treatments.
The Basic Framework of the Existential Therapy Approach
This psychotherapy approach is one of the psychotherapy methods that focus on understanding the fundamental existential themes that shape a person's life. At the foundation of the approach lies the idea that the choices, relationships, responsibilities, and the meaning a person attributes to life events throughout his life can affect his mental health. Therefore, during the therapy process, not only the problem itself, but also how the individual experiences and makes sense of that problem is evaluated.
In existential therapy, the therapist is positioned less as an expert who offers ready-made solutions to the client and more as a professional guide who accompanies the person in exploring his own life. The goal is to contribute to the individual's recognition of his strengths, reevaluation of his own values, and ability to make more conscious choices regarding his life.
The topics that form the basis of the approach are:
- The meaning and purpose of life
- Freedom and the ability to make choices
- Taking responsibility
- Coping with uncertainty
- Loneliness and forming relationships
- Accepting the finiteness of life
These concepts ensure that difficulties encountered in daily life are evaluated not merely through symptoms, but within the framework of the individual's life experience and personal values. Thus, the person finds the opportunity to look at the events he experiences from different perspectives and to develop a stronger awareness regarding his own life.
Life Problems That Can Be Addressed in Existential Therapy
Existential therapy is not a psychotherapy approach that focuses solely on a specific diagnosis. Inquiries, uncertainties, and periods of change that can be encountered within the natural flow of life can also be the subject of the therapy process. The goal is not so much to eliminate the difficulties the individual experiences, but rather to support him in understanding his relationship with these experiences and developing a more conscious perspective on his own life.
Today, many people may feel the need to redefine themselves following major life events such as career changes, transformations in family life, chronic illnesses, becoming a parent, retirement, migration, loss, or separation. The uncertainty and search for meaning that arise during these processes can affect an individual's psychological well-being. Existential therapy provides a framework aimed at understanding the relationship of these life experiences with the person's values and life goals.
The topics addressed during the therapy process may vary according to the person's needs. For example, inquiries related to life purpose, the search for identity, significant losses, career or relationship decisions, feelings of loneliness, or uncertainties regarding the future can be evaluated from an existential perspective. Additionally, when deemed appropriate as a result of a psychiatric evaluation, it can also be planned as a psychotherapy approach supporting other treatment methods in individuals experiencing Anxiety Disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or certain Personality Disorders.
The life themes frequently addressed within the scope of existential therapy are:
- Questioning the meaning of life
- Identity and self-perception
- The balance between freedom and responsibility
- Uncertainties regarding the future
- Feelings of loneliness and belonging
- Loss and grief processes
- Life transitions and major decisions
- Building a life in alignment with values
Since each individual's life story, experiences, and priorities are different, the therapy process is also shaped uniquely for the person. Instead of offering ready-made solutions, he is supported in developing awareness regarding his own life and evaluating his decisions consciously.
What Path Is Followed in the Existential Therapy Process?
Existential therapy is not a therapy method that applies certain steps in a mechanical way. The process is shaped by taking into account the client's life story, reason for seeking help, personal values, relationships, and life experiences. Therefore, each individual's therapy process is unique, and even the session content of two people with the same diagnosis may differ.
In the initial sessions, the therapist evaluates the client's reason for applying for therapy, significant turning points in his life, current difficulties, and expectations from therapy. Following this, work is done on how the individual makes sense of his life, how he reacts to the events he encounters, and his perspective on the future. The goal is not just for the individual to talk about the problems he experiences, but also for him to discover the place of these problems in his life and the meaning they hold for him.
During the therapy process, the therapist approaches not as an expert offering ready-made solutions to the client, but rather as a professional guide accompanying the process of exploration. He is supported in finding his own answers, evaluating the choices in his life, and recognizing his strengths. This approach aims not for the individual to completely change external conditions, but to develop his perspective on the experiences he undergoes.
The following areas may be worked on during the therapy process:
- Evaluating the meaning that life events create in the person
- Realizing the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors
- Re-examining life goals
- Strengthening skills to cope with uncertainty
- Supporting making decisions compatible with personal values
- Evaluating factors affecting life satisfaction
The duration of existential therapy, session frequency, and session plan are determined in line with the client's needs, therapy goals, and the expert's evaluation. When necessary, it can be planned in conjunction with different psychotherapy approaches or psychiatric treatment methods.
What Are the Goals of Existential Therapy?
The primary goal of existential therapy is to contribute to the individual's evaluation of the difficulties in his life from a different perspective and to develop a stronger awareness of his own life. This approach aims not merely at reducing current symptoms; it also places importance on helping him make sense of the values, choices, and relationships that guide his life.
During the therapy process, the individual is supported in taking responsibility for his own life, recognizing his strengths, and coping more healthily with the uncertainties in his life. Thus, instead of focusing solely on his problems, the aim is for him to be able to evaluate his life holistically.
The following objectives can be worked on within the scope of this approach:
- Developing awareness regarding the meaning of life
- Defining personal values more clearly
- Strengthening decision-making processes
- Supporting psychological flexibility in the face of uncertainty
- Developing the ability to take responsibility
- Increasing self-awareness
- Setting goals that support life satisfaction
- Contributing to establishing healthier and more meaningful relationships
These goals are not the same for every individual. Priorities are determined during the therapy process in accordance with the client's needs, living conditions, and expectations. Thus, therapy becomes an individualized process that progresses in harmony with the person's life story.
How Does Existential Therapy Differ from Other Psychotherapy Approaches?
There are many approaches in the field of psychotherapy based on different theoretical foundations. The working style, focus point, and techniques used by each method may vary. Existential therapy also differs from other psychotherapy schools by placing the meaning a person attributes to life at its center.
In this approach, emphasis is placed not only on the reduction of symptoms, but on how the individual experiences his life, how he evaluates the choices in his life, and how he makes sense of the difficulties he encounters. Throughout the therapy process, fundamental existential themes such as freedom, responsibility, uncertainty, loneliness, and the meaning of life can be addressed. For example, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy focuses on identifying dysfunctional thought and behavior patterns and restructuring them. Existential therapy, on the other hand, offers a more exploration-oriented approach aimed at helping the individual make sense of his core values, choices, and life experiences. These two approaches do not have to be alternatives to one another. Depending on clinical requirements, they can be planned to complement each other in line with the evaluation of the psychiatrist and therapist.
When deciding which psychotherapy method is appropriate, the reason for seeking help, psychological symptoms, personal needs, therapy goals, and clinical evaluation must be considered together. Thus, the most suitable treatment plan can be created for the individual.
For Whom Can Existential Therapy Be Considered?
Existential therapy is one of the psychotherapy approaches that can be considered for individuals who question the meaning of life, try to adapt after major life events, or want to get to know themselves more closely. It is not directed at a specific age group, life period, or solely a single psychiatric diagnosis. Suitability for therapy is determined in line with the individual's reason for seeking help, expectations, and the expert's evaluation.
Changes encountered in different periods of life may cause an individual to re-evaluate himself, his relationships, and his goals for the future. Following starting university, choosing a profession, marriage, becoming a parent, retirement, chronic illnesses, significant losses, or unexpected life events, people may occasionally find themselves feeling uncertain. Existential therapy provides a framework aimed at understanding the psychological effects of these processes on the individual.
Existential therapy can be planned after an evaluation by a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist in the following situations:
- People experiencing intense inquiries regarding the purpose and meaning of life
- Individuals experiencing indecision regarding identity development or life direction
- People trying to cope with loss, grief, or major life changes
- Individuals wanting to better understand their relationships and connection with themselves
- People seeking support in coping with uncertainty and a sense of responsibility
- Individuals wanting to develop their personal awareness
Existential therapy is not applied with the same goals for everyone. A personalized roadmap is created during the therapy process by taking into account the client's expectations, living conditions, and psychological requirements. When necessary, planning it alongside different psychotherapy methods is also possible.
The Importance of the Therapist-Client Relationship in Existential Therapy
One of the fundamental elements of existential therapy is the trust-based therapeutic relationship established between the therapist and the client. For the therapy process to progress healthily, it is important to create a safe environment where the client can express himself without being judged. Therefore, the therapist adopts a professional approach that strives to understand the client's life experience, establishes empathy, and works in accordance with ethical principles.
In the existential approach, the therapist is not someone who makes decisions on behalf of the client or directs his life. Instead, he accompanies the individual in developing awareness regarding his own life, discovering his values, and evaluating his choices. Thus, the client is supported in recognizing his own resources and handling the responsibilities in his life more consciously.
A strong therapeutic relationship can contribute to;
- Establishing open communication,
- The development of a sense of trust,
- Clarifying therapy goals,
- Supporting motivation for change,
- Increasing regular participation in the therapy process.
Therefore, the cooperation between the therapist and the client is considered one of the foundational building blocks of existential therapy.
The Existential Therapy Approach at NPİSTANBUL
At NPİSTANBUL, existential therapy can be considered as part of a personalized treatment plan created for individuals deemed appropriate following a psychiatric evaluation. While preparing the treatment plan, not only the reason for seeking help, but also the individual's life story, current psychological symptoms, level of functionality, expectations, and needs are addressed holistically. When necessary, planning can be made in conjunction with different psychotherapy approaches or medical treatment options.
During the treatment process, the goal is not merely to evaluate the difficulties the individual experiences, but to create a holistic approach that also supports his strengths, life goals, and psychological resilience. Through regular clinical evaluations, the therapy process is reviewed and can be updated in line with needs.
Evaluation Through Psychiatry and Psychology Collaboration
Psychiatrists and clinical psychologists work in cooperation in planning the existential therapy process. In cases deemed necessary, psychological symptoms, accompanying psychiatric disorders, and the individual's general functionality are evaluated together. Thus, the aim is to create a treatment plan that is personalized, scientifically grounded, and compliant with ethical principles.