How does existential therapy differ from traditional therapy?

Existential therapy emphasizes personal meaning and authenticity as central components of the therapeutic process. This approach encourages individuals to explore their own values, beliefs, and the essence of their existence, which allows clients to confront the inherent challenges of life, such as freedom, isolation, and death. By helping clients find their own meaning in life and strive for authenticity, existential therapy fosters a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.

This focus on meaning contrasts sharply with traditional therapies that may prioritize symptom relief or the resolution of specific psychological diagnoses. By steering clear of reliance on diagnostic labels, existential therapy shifts the attention away from pathology and instead emphasizes the individual's experience and existential concerns. Thus, the practice is fundamentally about fostering authenticity and personal growth rather than merely alleviating symptoms or conforming to a conventional treatment framework.