What does existential guilt refer to in the context of existential therapy?

Existential guilt is best understood as the awareness of avoided commitments, which is a central theme in existential therapy. This type of guilt arises when individuals realize that they have not fully engaged with their potential or have shied away from making meaningful choices that align with their true selves or values. In the existential framework, embracing one’s freedom and the accompanying responsibility is crucial. When people avoid making decisions or commit to certain paths in life, they may confront feelings of guilt for not living authentically or failing to pursue their genuine desires and aspirations.

In this therapeutic context, it's important to help individuals recognize instances where they might be falling short of their own expectations or not fully experiencing the life they want. By addressing this awareness, clients can begin to explore the choices they have made or avoided and take steps towards more fulfilling commitments, ultimately leading to a more authentic existence. The process involves not just acknowledging these feelings, but understanding how they influence behavior and overall life satisfaction.

The other options illustrate concepts that may relate to feelings or experiences individuals face, but they do not encapsulate the specific essence of existential guilt as effectively. For example, creating change in life and experiencing emotional distress may arise from various forms of inner conflict but do not pinpoint the notion of avoided commitments that