What is a major focus of existential therapy?

Existential therapy primarily emphasizes the search for meaning and the confrontation of existential concerns inherent in the human experience. It acknowledges that life is filled with challenges, uncertainties, and inevitable suffering, and it encourages individuals to explore these aspects deeply to find personal significance and purpose in their lives. This therapeutic approach focuses on themes such as freedom, responsibility, isolation, and the search for meaning, urging clients to take ownership of their choices and to explore what it means to be human in a complex and often chaotic world.

While understanding behavioral patterns, changing cognitive distortions, and enhancing motivation can be components of other therapeutic modalities, existential therapy stands apart by prioritizing the exploration of human existence and the personal meaning individuals derive from their life experiences. This focus on existential concerns is crucial in helping clients navigate their emotions and life challenges, leading to a more authentic and meaningful existence.