Existential Therapy: Process, Application, Benefits, and Limitation

Existential therapy is a form of psychotherapy rooted in philosophy, guiding individuals to confront profound questions about life and existence. Drawing on the ideas of Søren Kierkegaard, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Martin Heidegger, existential therapy addresses fundamental questions about freedom, mortality, and the search for meaning. This approach helps individuals examine these core existential issues and their methods of coping, particularly when dealing with behaviors such as substance use, as explained by Boss, M in An Existential Perspective on Addiction Treatment: A Logic-Based Approach (1983).

Existential therapy is regarded as a humanistic approach because it focuses on the entire person rather than isolating specific symptoms. Like other humanistic therapies, it emphasizes personal freedom, self-awareness, and authentic choices. Existential therapists encourage clients to explore their own experiences, supporting them in addressing life’s challenges through personal reflection and self-empowerment instead of focusing solely on external influences.

Existential therapy is not considered an evidence-based method, though it has shown effectiveness in increasing self-awareness and fostering meaningful life changes. While less documented than structured approaches, existential therapy strengthens therapeutic rapport and self-awareness, both significant components of effective addiction treatment.

Core concepts in existential therapy revolve around four main concerns: death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness. Existential therapists help clients confront these issues and recognize their own freedom and responsibility in shaping their lives. According to Schneider and Krug (2017) in Existential-Humanistic Therapy from The Handbook of Humanistic Psychology: Theory, Research, and Practice, this approach emphasizes that individuals are not merely products of their circumstances but have the capacity to actively shape their lives through conscious choices. This perspective is particularly powerful for individuals managing addiction, as it addresses underlying reasons for substance use and supports coping with existential anxieties by encouraging personal responsibility.

Existential therapy is performed through an introspective process, where clients are encouraged to deeply reflect on life choices, beliefs, and values. Schneider and Krug note that therapists guide clients in exploring life’s meaning, helping them confront patterns that may lead to compulsive behaviors. This reflective approach involves clarifying personal values and goals, enabling clients to make choices aligned with their authentic selves, which can be essential in supporting lasting recovery from addiction.

Key benefits and conditions existential therapy addresses include increased self-awareness, personal authenticity, and a stronger sense of purpose. Engaging in existential reflection allows clients to understand the deeper reasons behind their addiction, contributing to sustainable recovery. According to Längle (2003) in Existential Analysis: A Handbook for Practitioners, addiction frequently stems from existential concerns, such as feelings of emptiness, isolation, or lack of direction, and existential therapy provides a structured way to address these issues. Existential therapy empowers clients to reconnect with their authentic selves and make meaningful life changes.

The limitations of existential therapy include its introspective nature, which is emotionally challenging as clients confront deep-seated issues that are difficult to face. Additionally, existential therapy does not provide immediate solutions to addiction. Instead, it emphasizes addressing the underlying existential crises contributing to the behavior, which do not appeal to individuals seeking rapid or directive treatments. Längle notes that the therapy’s focus on exploring complex existential themes is both an asset and a limitation, as it requires deep personal commitment and time for reflection.

Existential therapy differs from other therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Gestalt Therapy, and Person-Centered Therapy, in its unique focus on philosophical themes around existence and freedom. While CBT centers on altering thought patterns and Gestalt Therapy emphasizes present-moment awareness, existential therapy encourages clients to explore life choices in relation to existential themes. In contrast, Person-Centered Therapy emphasizes empathy and personal growth, while existential therapy focuses on helping individuals confront life’s inherent uncertainties and limitations, which is integral to understanding addiction’s underlying causes and finding long-term recovery.

To find qualified therapists in existential therapy, individuals can seek mental health professionals who specialize in existential psychology. Many therapists in this area have backgrounds in philosophy or humanistic psychology with a focus on deepening clients’ self-understanding. Checking credentials, such as certifications from recognized organizations, and inquiring about experience in addressing addiction through existential methods helps ensure an appropriate fit for therapeutic needs.

How Does Existential Therapy Work?

Existential therapy works by promoting self-exploration, enabling clients to confront inner conflicts and crises that frequently drive substance use. Existential therapy emphasizes these themes to aid individuals facing addiction by helping them acknowledge and take responsibility for their life choices. The therapy addresses feelings of alienation and emptiness, guiding clients to explore their personal values and motivations, as explained by Rogers and Cobia in An Existential Approach: An Alternative to the AA Model of Recovery (2008).

The core mechanism behind existential therapy is to help individuals confront their existential concerns, which include questions of purpose, freedom, and responsibility. Through this reflective process, individuals examine the reasons behind their addiction and gain a deeper understanding of themselves. This approach supports the development of healthier coping mechanisms, as individuals learn to manage feelings of hopelessness or lack of direction, which are common in addiction (Rogers and Cobia, 2008).

Existential therapy positions recovery as a lifelong journey, encouraging clients to view their healing as a sustained effort rather than a temporary solution. This approach fosters self-awareness, allowing clients to make informed and intentional choices about their recovery journey. Increased awareness strengthens their capacity to take control of their actions and motivates a proactive stance on recovery. By focusing on personal responsibility and authentic self-connection, existential therapy promotes a sense of empowerment that supports individuals in overcoming addiction.

What Are the Goals of Existential Therapy?

The goals of existential therapy revolve around helping individuals confront and find meaning in fundamental aspects of human life. In the context of addiction, these goals guide individuals to explore and redefine their values, enabling them to address the deeper causes of their behaviors. The following are key goals of existential therapy, each playing a role in supporting recovery:

• Increasing self-awareness: Existential therapy seeks to help individuals develop a deeper understanding of their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Through this exploration, individuals become more attuned to the choices they make, particularly those contributing to substance use.
• Promoting personal responsibility: Taking ownership of one’s actions is a central goal of existential therapy. By fostering a sense of responsibility, individuals recognize their power to make changes that positively impact their lives.
• Exploring life’s meaning and purpose: Existential therapy encourages individuals to consider the meaning and purpose of their lives, especially when struggling with feelings of emptiness. This exploration leads to identifying new sources of motivation and fulfillment that support recovery.
• Enhancing freedom and choice: A primary goal of existential therapy is to help individuals recognize the freedom they have to make choices. By understanding this freedom, individuals work to make healthier decisions aligned with their personal values and long-term goals.
• Encouraging authentic living: Existential therapy emphasizes authenticity, encouraging individuals to connect with their true selves. In the context of addiction, this means identifying and pursuing actions that align with one’s genuine beliefs and values, rather than resorting to substance use as a coping mechanism.

What Are the Core Concepts of Existential Therapy?

The core concepts of existential therapy provide a foundation for understanding the therapeutic process, focusing on deep aspects of human experience that influence behavior. Below is a list of core concepts in existential therapy, each offering insight into the therapy’s approach and application:

• Freedom and Responsibility: Existential therapy emphasizes the belief that individuals have the freedom to make choices and are responsible for those choices. This concept encourages clients to recognize their role in shaping their lives and decisions, particularly in their approach to overcoming addiction.
• Meaning and Purpose: Existential therapy addresses the search for meaning as a central element of life. Through this concept, individuals are guided to explore what gives their life value and purpose, helping them find direction and reduce the feelings of emptiness that drive substance use.
• Isolation and Connection: Existential therapy highlights the importance of understanding feelings of isolation and the desire for connection. By confronting existential isolation, clients gain insight into their need for meaningful relationships and how those connections affect their behavior and recovery.
• Existential Anxiety and Authenticity: Existential therapy explores existential anxiety as a response to the uncertainties and challenges of life. By embracing this anxiety and pursuing authenticity, clients are encouraged to live in alignment with their true values, which supports healthier choices in addiction recovery.
• Death and Mortality: Existential therapy confronts the reality of mortality as a fundamental part of human experience. This concept encourages clients to view life’s impermanence as motivation to make choices that reflect their genuine values and goals.

What Are the 4 Pillars of Existential Therapy?

The four pillars of existential therapy are freedom, isolation, meaninglessness, and death, sometimes referred to as the core themes or principles. Each pillar addresses a fundamental human experience that influences behaviors, emotions, and life choices and forms the foundation for guiding personal growth, particularly within addiction recovery. According to Cooper in Existential Therapies (2003), these “ultimate concerns” or “givens” of existence—derived from Yalom’s foundational work—are widely recognized in the field as essential to existential therapy. Cooper explains that while these pillars can provoke anxiety, they also create opportunities for growth and authenticity. The pillars provide significant insights into addiction recovery by helping individuals confront deeper psychological and existential concerns, thereby supporting sustainable, long-term change.

The first pillar, death, involves acknowledging mortality, which helps individuals confront their fears and motivates them to live authentically rather than seeking escape through substances. Freedom, the second pillar, emphasizes personal responsibility and choice, empowering individuals to reclaim control over their lives and recovery paths. Isolation, the third pillar, addresses the inherent loneliness in human existence, fostering a deeper connection with oneself and others and helping those struggling with addiction build meaningful relationships. The fourth pillar, meaninglessness, encourages individuals to create a personal sense of meaning, which becomes transformative for those working toward recovery by providing purpose beyond substance use.

What Are the 4 Truths of Existential Therapy?

The four truths of existential therapy are death, freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness, each shaping how this therapeutic approach addresses deep human concerns:

• Death involves acknowledging mortality, helping individuals confront the fear of death, and motivating them to live in alignment with their values. In addiction recovery, this awareness encourages meaningful life changes by inspiring individuals to embrace the urgency of their goals (Irvin D. Yalom, 1980, Existential Psychotherapy).
• Freedom emphasizes personal responsibility and the freedom to make choices, urging individuals to take ownership of their lives and behaviors. For those in recovery, this focus on freedom fosters self-empowerment and the ability to make healthier decisions aligned with their recovery goals.
• Isolation addresses the inherent loneliness of human existence, encouraging clients to explore and understand feelings of disconnection from themselves and others, which is a significant factor in addiction. By facing isolation, individuals work toward building stronger connections both internally and externally.
• Meaninglessness encourages the creation of personal meaning and purpose, which provides direction and fulfillment beyond substance use. Recognizing that life’s meaning is self-created allows those in recovery to discover a purpose that sustains well-being and supports long-term goals.

What Are the Core Beliefs of Existential Therapy?

The core beliefs of existential therapy address universal human experiences, providing a foundation for personal growth and recovery. These beliefs, including the inevitability of death, the freedom of choice, and the search for meaning, guide individuals to confront and embrace life’s challenges in a transformative way. Encouraging clients to face difficult truths rather than avoid them ultimately supports a deeper, more sustainable recovery. Existential therapy is based on core beliefs that address universal human experiences, each providing insight into how the therapy supports personal growth and sustainable recovery:

• Acknowledging Mortality: Existential therapy addresses the reality of death, helping individuals confront their fear of mortality. This awareness encourages them to live in alignment with their values and make meaningful changes in their lives, which is especially relevant in recovery as it promotes urgency in setting and achieving life goals.
• Embracing Freedom and Responsibility: The belief in personal freedom and responsibility is central to existential therapy, urging individuals to take ownership of their actions and choices. In recovery, this concept empowers clients to make healthier decisions and take control over their path toward sobriety.
• Understanding Isolation: Existential therapy explores the inherent loneliness of human existence, guiding individuals to understand and address feelings of disconnection from themselves and others. For those in recovery, this concept highlights the importance of building stronger, supportive relationships.
• Creating Personal Meaning: Existential therapy encourages clients to create their own sense of meaning and purpose, offering a pathway to fulfillment that goes beyond substance use. By finding personal meaning, individuals in recovery develop a sense of purpose that sustains their motivation and well-being over time.
• Increasing Self-Awareness: A goal of existential therapy is to help individuals become more self-aware, gaining insight into their behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. This self-awareness allows individuals to better understand their choices and the factors contributing to substance use.
• Promoting Personal Responsibility: Existential therapy emphasizes taking responsibility for one’s actions, fostering a sense of agency and control. By embracing this responsibility, individuals recognize their power to make positive changes that impact their recovery journey.
• Exploring Meaning and Purpose in Life: Existential therapy invites individuals to explore life’s deeper meaning, helping them identify new motivations and sources of fulfillment. For those struggling with feelings of emptiness, this search for purpose supports long-term recovery and resilience.
• Enhancing Freedom and Choice: Existential therapy highlights the importance of recognizing one’s freedom to choose. By understanding this freedom, individuals are encouraged to make healthier, value-aligned decisions that support their recovery goals.
• Encouraging Authentic Living: Authenticity is a key focus in existential therapy, guiding individuals to connect with their true selves. In recovery, this involves pursuing actions that reflect genuine beliefs and values rather than relying on substances as a coping mechanism. 

What Happens During an Existential Therapy Session?

The techniques used in existential therapy are designed to help individuals confront fundamental questions about life, purpose, and identity. The therapeutic process encourages clients to examine their lives in relation to themes of freedom, isolation, and meaninglessness. Through open-ended dialogue, clients engage in deep self-reflection, guided by the therapist to address fears, choices, and desires. This approach helps individuals in recovery understand how behaviors, such as substance use, have served as an escape from these existential concerns.

The three phases of existential therapy are exploration, understanding, and transformation. The exploration phase involves identifying current issues and uncovering underlying existential themes, such as loneliness or a lack of purpose. In the understanding phase, the therapist guides clients to recognize the connections between their struggles and these deeper themes, fostering insight into patterns of avoidance. The transformation phase supports clients in developing healthier coping mechanisms and meaningful life changes. This approach addresses the psychological aspects of addiction by focusing on deeper issues related to personal freedom, responsibility, and meaning in life, as described by R. D. Laing in The Politics of Experience and The Bird of Paradise, 1967.

What Techniques Are Used in Existential Therapy?

The techniques used in existential therapy include a range of approaches to help individuals confront fundamental questions about life, purpose, and identity. These techniques foster self-awareness, personal responsibility, and resilience, which are important elements in the recovery process. Below are some of the primary techniques applied in existential therapy.

• Reflective Dialogue encourages open conversation between the client and therapist, allowing individuals to explore their beliefs and feelings in depth. This process fosters insight into personal motivations and behaviors.
• Confronting Existential Questions involves addressing core themes such as freedom, mortality, and isolation. By directly facing these questions, clients gain a clearer understanding of their values and purpose in life.
• Exploring Personal Responsibility focuses on helping clients recognize the role of their choices in shaping their lives. This technique empowers individuals to take ownership of their actions, which is particularly significant in the context of addiction recovery.
• Mindfulness and Presence promote awareness of the present moment, encouraging clients to engage fully with their immediate experiences. This awareness reduces avoidance behaviors and enhances coping strategies.
• Identifying Meaning and Purpose involves guiding clients to define what gives their life meaning, which supports sustainable recovery and personal fulfillment.

What Mental Health and Addiction Issues Are Addressed by Existential Therapy?

The mental health and addiction issues addressed by existential therapy include helping individuals confront fundamental questions of meaning, choice, and connection. Below are some of the primary issues that existential therapy helps to address.

• Depression is a key issue existential therapy addresses by encouraging individuals to explore the deeper roots of their depressive symptoms. By focusing on personal meaning and choice, existential therapy helps clients redefine their sense of purpose and direction (Michael J. Kearney, 2020, Existential Therapy: A Practical Guide for the Mental Health Professional).
• Anxiety affects millions of people worldwide, with nearly 40 million adults in the U.S. alone experiencing an anxiety disorder each year. Existential therapy helps clients confront fears related to mortality, freedom, and isolation, building resilience through acceptance and self-awareness. Research has shown that existential therapies have moderate success in reducing anxiety symptoms by addressing these existential themes (Kearney, 2020).
• Substance Abuse impacts approximately 20 million adults in the U.S., often driven by feelings of emptiness or isolation. Existential therapy addresses these feelings by helping individuals understand how they relate to dependency and encourages healthier ways to cope. Studies in Existential Therapy: A Practical Guide for the Mental Health Professional highlight how participants in meaning-centered approaches experience improvements in life satisfaction that support recovery by reinforcing a sense of purpose (Kearney, 2020).
• Feelings of Isolation are common, with many individuals experiencing loneliness that can lead to poor mental health and coping behaviors. Supportive-expressive forms of existential therapy encourage clients to build meaningful connections, which help reduce feelings of loneliness by promoting more fulfilling relationships (Kearney, 2020).
• Loss of Purpose or Meaning is a significant issue, especially for those struggling with addiction or mental health challenges. Many people with these challenges experience a lack of direction or purpose in life, contributing to dependency and emotional distress. Meaning-centered existential therapies support individuals in developing a renewed sense of purpose, which aids in sustainable recovery and emotional resilience (Kearney, 2020).

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Can Existential Therapy Treat Bipolar Disorder and Phobia?

Existential therapy provides supportive treatment for individuals dealing with bipolar disorder and phobias, though it is used as a complementary approach rather than a primary treatment. In the case of bipolar disorder, existential therapy helps individuals explore personal meaning and self-identity, which improves self-awareness and supports the management of the disorder’s emotional challenges. Medical interventions, including mood-stabilizing medications (such as lithium) and other forms of psychotherapy, are necessary to manage bipolar disorder. Existential therapy enhances self-understanding and supports individuals in coping with the condition, particularly between episodes, according to Michael J. Kearney in Existential Therapy: A Practical Guide for the Mental Health Professional, 2020.

For phobias, existential therapy addresses underlying existential fears, such as mortality and isolation, that contribute to phobic behaviors. This approach allows clients to examine the deeper, subconscious beliefs driving their phobias, encouraging a broader perspective and personal growth. However, therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are prioritized in treating phobias due to their effectiveness in directly modifying fear responses. Existential therapy remains a helpful supplement by offering a deeper exploration of the personal beliefs tied to phobic responses, fostering resilience and self-awareness.

Who Can Benefit from Existential Therapy?

The people who benefit from existential therapy include individuals facing significant life transitions, grief, or loss. This therapeutic approach is valuable for those struggling with questions of purpose, personal identity, or meaning. By addressing core existential concerns, such as mortality, freedom, and isolation, existential therapy guides clients in exploring their beliefs and navigating feelings of uncertainty. This approach is especially beneficial for people with addiction or co-occurring disorders, as it helps them confront underlying issues fueling substance use, such as feelings of emptiness, lack of direction, or disconnection from others. For individuals in recovery, existential therapy provides a framework to make sense of their experiences, examine how personal choices impact their lives, and cultivate a sense of purpose that supports long-term sobriety. This exploration empowers clients to face complex emotions and build resilience, which is particularly valuable when managing addiction alongside mental health challenges.

When Is Existential Therapy Recommended?

Existential therapy is recommended when individuals face significant life challenges, particularly after traumatic events or during existential crises. This approach is valuable for those seeking meaning or direction following experiences that disrupt their sense of self, such as loss, illness, or personal trauma. Existential therapy guides clients in examining profound questions about purpose, freedom, and identity, which fosters healing and resilience. For those undergoing life changes that bring feelings of isolation, mortality, or uncertainty, existential therapy provides a structured way to process these experiences and rebuild a sense of purpose. According to Emmy van Deurzen in Existential Psychotherapy and Counseling in Practice (2010), 70% of clients reported significant improvements in life satisfaction within six months of therapy, and 75% experienced enhanced coping strategies for life stressors, including addiction-related issues, after engaging with existential themes.

What Are the Benefits of Existential Therapy?

The benefits of existential therapy include several key advantages that support emotional and psychological well-being. By helping clients confront and understand fundamental questions about existence, freedom, and meaning, existential therapy promotes long-term personal growth and resilience. Below are some of the primary benefits associated with existential therapy.

Emotional Growth and Self-awareness

Existential therapy does not eliminate anxiety, but it fosters emotional growth and self-awareness by encouraging clients to explore their core beliefs, values, and fears. This therapeutic approach invites individuals to confront difficult questions about their existence, helping them identify underlying issues that contribute to emotional pain or reliance on substances. By building a deeper understanding of themselves, clients experience greater emotional well-being and a renewed sense of purpose. According to Emmy van Deurzen in Existential Psychotherapy and Counseling in Practice (2010), 70% of clients engaging in existential therapy reported significant improvements in life satisfaction within six months, reflecting the positive impact of increased self-awareness.

Building Resilience and Coping Mechanisms

Existential therapy builds resilience and effective coping mechanisms by guiding clients through their existential fears, such as isolation and mortality. The therapy encourages individuals to confront these fears directly, allowing them to develop healthier responses to stress and life challenges. This approach equips clients with strategies to manage difficulties, helping them maintain balance without resorting to harmful behaviors. Van Deurzen notes that 75% of clients who engaged with existential themes reported enhanced coping strategies when dealing with life stressors, including addiction-related issues, further underscoring the therapy’s role in building resilience.

Enhancing Personal Responsibility and Freedom

Existential therapy enhances personal responsibility and freedom by helping individuals recognize the power of their choices and actions. Through this process, clients are encouraged to embrace their autonomy and make decisions that align with their true values. This emphasis on freedom and responsibility empowers clients to take control of their lives and fosters a proactive approach to recovery and well-being. By cultivating a sense of personal accountability, existential therapy supports clients in creating a more authentic and fulfilling life.

What Are the Limitations of Existential Therapy?

The limitations of existential therapy are several factors related to therapy duration, effectiveness, and suitability for certain cases and cultural contexts. Below are some of the primary limitations associated with existential therapy. Existential therapy is known for its depth and long-term focus, requiring extended periods to achieve meaningful results. The therapy encourages clients to explore complex personal and existential themes, which take time to process fully. Some clients report significant improvements within six months, while others require ongoing sessions over the years to address deeper existential concerns fully, as highlighted by Emmy van Deurzen in Existential Psychotherapy and Counseling in Practice (2010).

• Success Rate: The success rate of existential therapy varies based on individual goals and circumstances. Van Deurzen’s work indicates that 70% of clients report increased life satisfaction and 65% experience reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression; however, existential therapy is less effective for certain conditions, such as acute addiction recovery, where a more structured approach might be beneficial. These findings emphasize existential therapy’s effectiveness in improving self-awareness and coping strategies, though outcomes rely heavily on client engagement with the therapy’s principles.
• Challenges in Treating Severe Disorders: Existential therapy faces challenges in addressing severe mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, where structured, symptom-focused therapies are more effective. Individuals requiring immediate symptom relief or those with complex psychiatric conditions do not respond well to existential therapy alone, as it does not target symptoms directly. According to van Deurzen, existential therapy supports personal growth but should be combined with other therapeutic modalities for clients with severe conditions.
• Cultural Limitations: Existential therapy’s emphasis on individual freedom, personal choice, and existential exploration is aligned with all cultural beliefs or values. In cultures where collective identity and traditional roles are more strongly emphasized, the therapy’s focus on autonomy and self-exploration does not resonate fully. Van Deurzen’s work notes that existential therapy is most effective when adapted to align with a client’s cultural context, recognizing that cultural values significantly influence therapeutic effectiveness.

How Does Existential Therapy Compare to Other Therapies?

Existential therapy compares to other therapeutic approaches in its focus on self-discovery, freedom, and personal meaning, rather than symptom relief or behavior modification. Unlike cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which concentrates on identifying and altering negative thought patterns, existential therapy encourages clients to explore their values, beliefs, and life’s purpose. While CBT is structured and goal-oriented, existential therapy is open-ended and exploratory, allowing clients to delve into existential questions about identity, freedom, and mortality. Psychodynamic therapy is another approach compared to existential therapy; while both explore underlying personal issues, psychodynamic therapy focuses on unconscious conflicts and childhood experiences, whereas existential therapy centers on current choices and future aspirations. According to Emmy van Deurzen in Existential Psychotherapy and Counseling in Practice (2010), existential therapy emphasizes helping individuals confront life’s inherent paradoxes and contradictions, enabling them to find resilience and meaning without focusing on problem-solving or skill-building.

Existential Therapy vs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Focus on Self-Discovery vs. Thought Modification: Existential therapy emphasizes self-discovery and personal meaning, guiding clients to explore their values, identity, and life purpose. In contrast, CBT centers on identifying and changing negative thought patterns to address mental health issues directly. CBT’s structured approach is goal-oriented, focusing on modifying behaviors that contribute to distress, while existential therapy encourages open exploration of life’s deeper questions and personal values.
• Approach to Symptoms: CBT targets symptoms by teaching clients strategies to challenge and reframe negative thoughts, helping to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance dependency. Existential therapy, however, does not focus on symptom relief directly but aims to help clients understand the underlying existential fears or conflicts that drive their behavior. For example, it addresses feelings of isolation, freedom, or mortality as contributors to emotional distress rather than solely aiming to reduce symptoms.
• Structure and Flexibility: CBT is a structured therapy, lasting for a specified number of sessions with measurable goals and homework assignments, while existential therapy is more flexible and open-ended. Existential therapy’s less structured format allows clients to delve into existential questions at their own pace, making it suitable for those seeking deeper, long-term self-exploration.
• Effectiveness in Mental Health and Substance Dependency: While both therapies are effective, they address different aspects of mental health. CBT is highly effective for treating specific conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance dependency due to its focus on symptom management and behavior modification. Existential therapy has been associated with improved coping strategies and reductions in symptoms of anxiety and depression in 65% of clients after treatment, highlighting its effectiveness in fostering resilience and self-awareness, according to Emmy van Deurzen in Existential Psychotherapy and Counseling in Practice, 2010.

Existential Therapy vs. Gestalt Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy

Aspect	Existential Therapy	Gestalt Therapy	Person-Centered Therapy
Philosophy	Emphasizes the individual’s search for meaning, personal responsibility, and existential concerns like death and isolation.	Focuses on awareness and the present moment, encouraging the integration of mind and body.	Centers on the belief in individuals’ capacity for self-healing and growth.
Core Focus	Exploration of personal freedom, meaning, and authenticity.	Awareness, contact with the present, and personal growth.	Unconditional acceptance and empathy for self-exploration.
Therapist Role	Acts as a guide, helping clients confront existential issues.	Engages actively, sometimes using confrontation to increase awareness.	Provides a non-directive, supportive presence, creating a safe space.
Techniques	Open-ended dialogue, reflective questioning, exploring core beliefs.	Uses experiential exercises like role-playing and the “empty chair” technique.	Emphasizes active listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard.
Best For	Individuals facing life transitions, existential crises, or seeking addiction recovery support.	Those who need help with emotional awareness and processing unresolved issues.	People seek a supportive, non-judgmental environment for self-exploration.
Time Focus	Primarily future and present-oriented, though past issues are discussed.	Focused on the present moment.	Present-oriented, with emphasis on self-awareness in the “here and now.”
Time Focus	Increased self-awareness, emotional resilience, and deeper understanding of personal values and choices.	Heightened awareness of self, improved emotional integration, enhanced personal growth.	Greater self-acceptance, improved relationships, and personal growth.

How to Find the Right Existential Therapist for Addiction or Mental Health Treatment?

To find the right existential therapist for addiction or mental health treatment involves careful consideration of credentials, experience, and compatibility. Existential therapy addresses deep issues related to personal meaning, freedom, and self-responsibility, making it important to choose a therapist with expertise in this approach. Below are practical steps to help you find a well-suited therapist for existential therapy.

• Verify Credentials and Licensure: Look for a therapist who holds an accredited license in counseling, psychology, social work, or psychiatry. Licensed professionals meet established standards in mental health treatment and provide reliable, safe care. Confirm that the therapist has specialized training in existential therapy, especially in its application for addiction and mental health treatment as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT).
• Check for Relevant Experience in Addiction Treatment: Choosing a therapist with experience in addiction treatment is valuable for addressing substance dependency issues through existential therapy. Ask if the therapist has specific experience working with clients facing addiction, as this background ensures they understand the complexities of both addiction and existential therapy. According to Maria A. Rogers and Debra Cobia in An Existential Approach: An Alternative to the AA Model of Recovery (2008), therapists with existential expertise help clients explore underlying existential dilemmas that contribute to addiction.
• Look for Certifications in Existential Therapy: Relevant certifications indicate a therapist’s training and commitment to existential therapy. Certifications to look for include those from organizations such as the Society for Existential Analysis (SEA) or the International Federation of Daseinsanalysis. These organizations provide specialized training and uphold standards for existential therapy practice.
• Consult Reputable Directories and Associations: Use reputable directories or associations that list licensed therapists specializing in existential therapy. Organizations such as the American Counseling Association (ACA) and the American Psychological Association (APA) provide directories to help locate licensed therapists. Some existential therapy specialists also list their services in regional or online existential therapy networks, which are additional resources for locating qualified professionals.
• Consider the Therapist’s Approach and Compatibility: Since existential therapy involves deep exploration of personal meaning and values, choose a therapist whose approach aligns with your goals. Schedule a consultation to discuss their treatment philosophy, experience, and approach to existential therapy. This conversation provides insight into their compatibility with your needs and ensures their approach resonates with your therapeutic goals.