What aspect of self does existential therapy encourage clients to confront?

Existential therapy emphasizes the fluidity of personal freedom, encouraging clients to confront and recognize the choices they have in determining their own existence and shaping their identities. This approach acknowledges that while various factors can influence our lives—such as societal expectations, relationships, and personal history—ultimately, individuals hold the responsibility and power to make meaningful choices that reflect their true selves.

By engaging with the idea of personal freedom, clients learn to analyze the possibilities available to them, which can lead to a greater sense of agency and authenticity in their lives. This perspective is rooted in existential philosophy, which posits that individuals are not confined to fixed identities but are constantly evolving through their choices and experiences.

The other options either represent a more static perspective on identity or focus on external sources of self-worth, which do not align with the core principles of existential therapy that advocate for personal autonomy and the active role individuals play in shaping their destinies.