Existential psychology is an approach in contemporary Western psychology that places special emphasis on a person's individual experience and their interaction with the world. Existential psychology holds that every person faces basic existential issues, such as questions about the meaning of life, freedom and responsibility, death, and loneliness. According to this approach, these issues can cause stress and anxiety.
An important feature of existential psychology is its emphasis on the individuality of each person and their unique life circumstances. This approach emphasizes that human experience cannot be reduced to universal general laws, and that each person must find their own answers to existential questions.
The four main existential issues identified in existential psychology include:
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Issues of time, life, and death: A person is confronted with questions about the passage of time, the meaning of their own life, and the fact of death.
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Issues of freedom, responsibility, and choice: A person has freedom of choice and responsibility for their actions, and this freedom can cause conflict and anxiety.
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Issues of communication, love, and loneliness: A person strives for connection and love, but may also feel lonely and isolated.
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Issues of meaning and meaninglessness of existence: A person seeks meaning in their life and may suffer if they do not find it.
Existential psychotherapy, based on the principles of existential psychology, is aimed at helping people find meaning and harmony in their lives. In the course of such psychotherapy, clients can explore their existential issues, develop their own strategies for coping with stress and anxiety, and deepen their understanding of themselves and the world around them.
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