How do existential therapists view the concept of anxiety?

Existential therapists view anxiety as a normal reaction to existential concerns, which reflects a core understanding of the human experience. In this therapeutic framework, anxiety is not seen as something to be eliminated or purely a symptom of pathology, but rather as an inherent part of life that arises when individuals confront the fundamental issues of existence such as death, isolation, freedom, and meaning.

This perspective acknowledges that anxiety can serve a functional purpose, acting as a signal that prompts individuals to engage more deeply with their lives and explore their values and beliefs. By understanding anxiety in this context, therapists can help clients embrace their feelings rather than fear them, facilitating personal growth and self-discovery. Thus, the recognition of anxiety as a natural and meaningful part of the human condition is central to existential therapy, encouraging individuals to face their feelings and use them as a catalyst for change.