What is one of the primary goals of existential therapy?

One of the primary goals of existential therapy is to help clients recognize their freedom and the range of possibilities available to them. This approach emphasizes individual agency, encouraging clients to become aware of their ability to make choices and to understand that they are responsible for their own lives.

Existential therapy is grounded in the belief that individuals can create meaning in their lives, despite the inherent uncertainties and challenges they face. By highlighting the concepts of freedom and responsibility, the therapy aims to empower clients to confront their existential concerns, such as anxiety, death, isolation, and meaninglessness, ultimately fostering personal growth and self-actualization.

This focus on freedom does not mean discarding traditional therapeutic techniques altogether; rather, it aligns with the existential perspective that therapeutic engagement should center on the individual's experience and perception of their potential to shape their lives. Thus, recognizing one's freedom and possibilities is a cornerstone of existential therapy, helping clients cultivate self-awareness and authentic living.