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What a course of existential therapy looks likeHow it works
Early on
Look at the big questions
You talk with your counsellor about what feels stuck, such as a loss, a change or a sense that life lacks purpose. Together you notice the deeper questions underneath it.
As you go
Explore choices and values
You look at the choices you make each day and the values behind them. Your counsellor may ask what you want your life to stand for, and you try small changes.
Over time
Carry it forward
You keep noticing where you have choice, even in hard times, and act more in line with your values. You and your counsellor decide together how long to keep going.
Existential therapy may suit you if you
Want to explore meaning, purpose or what matters most to you
Face a big change, loss or turning point in your life
Prefer deep conversation to set exercises or worksheets
Feel stuck or empty and are not sure why life feels flat
Find yourself thinking about death, freedom or being alone
Want to make choices that fit your own values
Something else may fit better if you
Want structured skills and practice tasks between sessions
Need help calming strong body reactions before anything else
Prefer short, practical answers to everyday problems
Existential Therapy is an approach to treatment that focuses on existential questions and concerns. Based on theories of philosophers such as Heidegger, Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, and Sartre, existential therapists assist their clients in gaining awareness of their connection to freedom, responsibility, the self, relationships, and death. Contrary to the usual approach to therapy that focuses on clients' symptoms, Existential Therapy allows one to explore one's experience from a broader perspective. This approach helps to realize what influence his/her beliefs, choices, and experiences have on one's life and how to move further in life. Existential Therapy is often used by people who are experiencing some change in their lives, suffering from loss, have problems with relationships or anxiety/depression, and want to find meaning in their lives.
Theory
Existential Therapy is based on the assumption that each human being goes through basic facts of being human, such as meaning, aloneness, freedom, responsibility, and death. Although all those basic facts may produce a lot of anxiety and confusion, they also present chances for development and self-discovery. According to the principles of this therapy, a person feels emotionally troubled because of his/her lack of connection with his/her own values, ignoring reality, and inability to find the meaning of certain events. Thus, by discussing those issues, one can get to know oneself better and increase his/her ability to act independently. Contrary to the traditional views, according to which a person is seen as a passive receiver of the circumstances of life, Existential Therapy assumes that a person can always choose his/her way of response to any challenge.
Techniques
It is important to note that Existential Therapy requires collaboration and entails authentic exploration, not the offering of solutions. The therapist works with the client, enabling him/her to analyze their beliefs, feelings, values, and life experience in a supportive atmosphere. Sessions are characterized by meaningful discussions about such themes as identity, interpersonal relations, purpose of living, personal responsibility, and future goals. Therapist encourages the client to develop self-awareness, think about his/her values, and realize how his/her decisions affect him/her. A therapeutic relationship itself is significant, allowing a person to ask hard questions and look at their life from a new perspective.
Advantages of Existential Psychotherapy
Existential Therapy can assist people to develop greater meaning and awareness of themselves as well as emotional strength. Advantages include:
Clearer sense of personal values and goals
Greater self-awareness and understanding of oneself
Better decision-making skills
Increased ability to cope with uncertainty and change
Greater emotional resilience
What Can Existential Therapy Assist In?
Existential Therapy could be beneficial to those experiencing:
The Existential Therapy would allow an individual to have a better understanding of themselves, their values, and the decisions they make in their lives. Existential Therapy is often beneficial to those seeking more meaning and direction in their lives.
Existential Therapy at No Fear Counselling
Our therapists at No Fear Counselling offer Existential Therapy, which can aid clients to gain clarity about their difficulties, understand their own meanings, and enhance emotional health. If you are suffering from anxiety, depression, grief, problems in relationships, difficulties with your career, and life transitions, our therapists offer their professional and empathic guidance based on your specific needs. We offer both face-to-face and online therapy sessions. In addition to Existential Therapy, we may also use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and trauma-informed therapy, where needed.
Start Your Journey Toward Meaning and Growth
Life's problems may at times make us wonder about our identity, destination, and what really matters. The Existential Therapy approach provides an opportunity for you to discover yourself while gaining clarity, confidence, and meaning. Here at No Fear Counselling, our caring counselors will assist you to gain clarity amidst the uncertainties of life. No Fear Counselling offers counselling services in Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Langley, Abbotsford, and Chilliwack, and Online Counseling Services all across Canada. Schedule your consultation and begin your journey towards clarity and self-awareness.
References
Yalom, I. D. (1980). Existential Psychotherapy. Basic Books. Van Deurzen, E. (2012). Existential Counselling & Psychotherapy in Practice. Sage Publication
Counsellors trained in existential therapyTrained in existential therapy
Helps with: Identity, Relationship Concerns, Anxiety, Attachment Concerns, Complex Trauma, Depression, Emotional Regulation, Grief, Loss and Bereavement, Guilt/Shame, Life Transitions, Loneliness, Personal Development/GrowthIdentityRelationship ConcernsAnxietyAttachment ConcernsComplex TraumaDepressionEmotional RegulationGrief, Loss and BereavementGuilt/ShameLife TransitionsLonelinessPersonal Development/Growth+10 more
Mostly, you and your counsellor talk openly about your life and what matters to you. You might explore a loss, a big decision or a feeling that something is missing, and look at the choices and values behind it. Your counsellor does not hand you answers; they ask honest questions and stay with you as you find your own. You can share as much or as little as you like.
No, you do not need to think in philosophical terms to take part. Many people come because of everyday stress, anxiety, low mood or grief, and find that underneath are questions about purpose, choice or connection. Your counsellor uses plain words and starts from what is going on in your life right now.
Existential therapy focuses on meaning, choice and values, while cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts and habits with structured skills. In existential sessions you spend more time reflecting and talking, and less time on worksheets or set practice. Some people draw on ideas from both, and your counsellor can talk with you about what fits you best.
It can, because existential therapy makes room to talk honestly about loss, death and what life means after someone is gone. Your counsellor goes at your pace, and you decide how much to share and when. If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8, call 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433), or call 911 if you are in danger.
Yes, existential therapy is a talking approach, so you can meet by video from anywhere in BC or in person. We offer a free 15-minute consultation by phone or video. Our intake team suggests counsellors who fit what you need, your language, your budget and where you want to meet.
