In existential therapy, how are personal narratives viewed?

In existential therapy, personal narratives are viewed as a tool for re-authoring one's life experience. This perspective emphasizes the fluidity and malleability of individual stories or narratives, suggesting that people have the ability to reshape and reinterpret their lived experiences. By recognizing that their narratives can change, individuals are empowered to explore different meanings, perspectives, and outcomes of their life events. This re-authoring process helps clients gain insight into their identity, values, and choices, promoting personal growth and existential fulfillment.

The approach aligns well with the principles of existential therapy, which underscore the importance of agency, authenticity, and the ongoing responsibility individuals have to create meaning in their lives. Through this re-authoring process, clients can confront existential themes such as freedom, isolation, and the search for purpose.