How does existential therapy address fear of death?

Existential therapy directly engages with the fear of death by encouraging individuals to confront and accept their mortality. This approach emphasizes that acknowledging the inevitability of death can lead to a deeper understanding of life and the person's authentic experiences. By facing this fundamental aspect of existence, people can explore their values, choices, and what gives their lives meaning.

This confrontation with mortality is not meant to foster despair but rather to liberate individuals from existential anxiety by prompting a more profound appreciation for life. Accepting mortality can inspire clients to live more fully and authentically, motivating them to pursue their passions, relationships, and personal growth rather than avoiding the topic of death.

In contrast, avoiding the subject or focusing solely on fantasies of immortality does not provide a space for individuals to explore their true feelings about death or engage with the realities of human existence. Additionally, emphasizing beliefs about an afterlife may detract from the importance of living meaningfully in the present. Thus, engaging with the concept of mortality is a crucial aspect of existential therapy, allowing for personal transformation and deeper existential awareness.