Which aspect of life does existential therapy primarily explore?

Existential therapy primarily explores the individual's inner world and existential dilemmas because it focuses on personal experience, meaning-making, and the core challenges of existence. This therapeutic approach encourages individuals to confront fundamental questions related to existence, such as the nature of freedom, responsibility, isolation, and the search for meaning in life.

Existential therapy acknowledges the unique struggles that arise from being human, such as the awareness of mortality, the feeling of absurdity, and the confrontation with one's own choices. By delving into these inner experiences, individuals can gain insight into their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, ultimately leading to personal growth and a greater understanding of their authentic selves.

The other options present concepts that diverge from the essence of existential therapy. For example, external rewards and societal norms focus on external validation rather than internal exploration, which is not the primary concern of this therapeutic approach. Strict adherence to psychological diagnoses implies a rigid framework that doesn't align with the flexible and person-centered nature of existential therapy. Lastly, avoidance of confrontation with psychological issues does not fit within the paradigm of existential therapy, which actively encourages engagement with those very issues to foster understanding and development.