What is the therapist's role in existential therapy?

In existential therapy, the therapist's role is centered on facilitating self-exploration and helping clients gain a deeper understanding of their personal experiences. This form of therapy emphasizes individuality, personal meaning, and the subjective experience of existence. The therapist acts as a guide, allowing clients to confront their feelings, values, and the inherent anxieties of life, such as isolation, death, and freedom.

By fostering an environment where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings authentically, the therapist supports them in taking responsibility for their choices and understanding their unique existence. This process encourages clients to find their own meanings and truths rather than following a predetermined path or set of interventions.

This approach contrasts with the other options, which either imply a more directive or problem-focused role for the therapist, limiting the depth of exploration that is integral to existential therapy.