Summary

Logotherapy, developed by Viktor Frankl, is a psychotherapy approach that emphasizes finding meaning in life to navigate challenges and achieve fulfillment.

Abstract

Logotherapy, also known as meaning-centered therapy, is a psychotherapeutic practice founded by Austrian neurologist Viktor Frankl. It is grounded in the belief that the primary human motivation is to find purpose in life, which can be achieved through various avenues such as work, relationships, and creativity, even amidst suffering. Frankl's own experience in concentration camps during World War II reinforced his conviction that life always holds meaning, and it is our responsibility to find and live by it. The therapy is built on three core principles: the will to meaning, freedom of choice, and the concept of super-meaning, which involves connecting to something greater than oneself. Logotherapy employs techniques like Socratic dialogue to foster self-discovery, paradoxical intention to alleviate fears, and dereflection to redirect focus towards positive experiences. These methods aim to help individuals overcome psychological barriers and lead more meaningful lives.

Opinions

Viktor Frankl believes that the search for meaning is the central motivational force in humans.
Frankl emphasizes that individuals have the freedom to choose their response to any given situation, regardless of external circumstances.
The concept of super-meaning suggests that connecting to a larger entity, such as God, humanity, or nature, can provide a deeper sense of purpose.
Socratic dialogue is valued as a tool for clients to explore their inner thoughts and beliefs, facilitating self-discovery and a clearer understanding of their life's meaning.
Paradoxical intention is seen as an effective strategy for treating anxiety and phobias by encouraging clients to face their fears directly.
Dereflection is considered beneficial in shifting clients' focus away from their problems, promoting engagement in joyful and meaningful activities.
Frankl's personal survival amidst the horrors of concentration camps is presented as a testament to the human capacity to find meaning in all experiences.

A Therapy to Help us Find Meaning in our Lives

Logotherapy, also known as meaning-centered therapy, is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on finding meaning in life.

from: englishcounsellingonline.com, made with MidJourney

Logotherapy was developed by Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist, and is based on the belief that humans have an innate desire to find meaning in their lives.

Frankl believed that all humans have a unique way of finding meaning in life, and that this meaning can be found in different ways, such as through work, relationships, love, art, or creativity. He also believed that even in the face of suffering and tragedy, it is possible to find meaning in life.

Frankl was an Austrian Jew who spent time in four concentration camps during World War II. Despite the hardships he experienced and the loss of his wife, parents and other family members he was still driven to survive the war because he knew that meaning could be found in every experience.

He was adamant that even through all the upheavals we face we are the ones who shape our lives and that it’s our responsibility to both give and interpret meaning in our lives.

“Ultimately man should not ask what the meaning of his life is but rather he must recognize that it is he who is asked. In a word, each man is questioned by life and he can only answer to life by answering for his own.”

Let’s return now to logotherapy. It is based on three main ideas:

The will to meaning: This is the innate human desire to find meaning in life. Frankl believed that this desire is the most powerful motivation for humans.

Freedom of choice: Even in the face of external circumstances, Frankl believed that humans always have the freedom to choose how they will respond to their situation.

Super-meaning: He also believed that humans can find a deeper meaning in life by connecting with something larger than themselves, such as God, humanity, or nature.

In logotherapy there are three main focuses of therapy. They are:

Socratic Dialogue

The Socratic dialogue is a method of questioning used in logotherapy to help clients explore their thoughts, feelings, values, and beliefs.

It is based on the belief that individuals have the capacity for self-discovery and that through dialogue, they can uncover their own unique meaning in life. The therapist guides the client through a series of questions that encourage reflection and self-examination, leading to a deeper understanding of their motivations and aspirations.

This process helps clients identify areas where they may be holding themselves back from achieving their goals or experiencing greater fulfillment.

Paradoxical Intention

Paradoxical intention is a technique that involves encouraging clients to deliberately engage in the behavior they fear most.

This approach seems counterintuitive, but it works by essentially tricking the mind into releasing its hold on the fear.

When a client openly accepts and even embraces the feared action or thought, the power it holds over them begins to diminish. This technique is particularly effective for treating anxiety disorders, phobias, and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

Dereflection

Dereflection is a technique used to shift the client’s focus away from their problems or worries. The therapist encourages the client to engage in activities that bring them joy, connect them with others, or contribute to something larger than themselves.

By redirecting their attention to positive and fulfilling experiences, clients can reduce the intensity of their distress and gain a broader perspective on their lives.

Dereflection is often used in conjunction with other logotherapy techniques to help clients move beyond their immediate concerns and rediscover a sense of meaning and purpose.

Let’s finish with a final quote from Frankl:

“Man’s freedom is no freedom from conditions but rather freedom to take a stand on whatever conditions might confront him.”

Hi, I’m Paddy. Thanks for reading my article. I’m a counselor, coach and meditation teacher. If you’d like to read my latest articles on Medium you can subscribe here. If you’d like to contact me regarding a counseling session or about writing, you can contact me here. My different social media channels are here.