Theoretical Orientation
existential analysis and logotherapy
My Theoretical Orientation-
The way I approach our therapeutic work is grounded within my theoretical orientation. You can think of it as an underlying philosophy, framework, or worldview that orients the way I view human development, growth, well-being, suffering, healing, and more.
A theoretical orientation answers questions like “What creates suffering?” and “How can suffering be alleviated?” or “What is the end goal of therapy? Wholeness? Healing? Fulfilment? Well-being? And what do those mean?” In other words, a theoretical orientation answers the questions of “What am I doing, why am I doing it, and how?” when it comes to providing you with therapeutic support.
My orientation is grounded in existential philosophy, specifically the therapeutic approach of Existential Analysis and Logotherapy (EA for short). Existential therapy is not so common in Canada, but I was lucky enough to be introduced to it in graduate school and had the opportunity to receive formal training in EA. I had no idea the commitment I was getting into when I took my first introductory seminar, but the material was deeply resonant–I knew it was for me. It wasn’t until a couple years in that I learned the training is recognized as a master’s degree in some European countries, which certainly provided some context as to the depth and breadth of the material being quite comprehensive. After six years of rigorous training, I completed the psychotherapy diploma.
Studying EA was deeply transformative both personally and professionally. It’s not a hat I wear as a therapist, but a way of being-in-the-world, both in and out of the counselling room. I look forward to being able to share this approach with you, and I hope it’s just as transformative for you as it has been for me.
What is Existential Therapy?
wiley world handbook of existential therapy-
“Existential therapy is a profoundly philosophical approach characterized in practice by an emphasis on relatedness, spontaneity, flexibility, and freedom from rigid doctrine or dogma…
Existential therapy places special emphasis on cultivating a caring, honest, supportive, empathic yet challenging relationship between therapist and client, recognizing the vital role of this relationship in the therapeutic process…
Existential therapy promote[s] clients’ capacity to recognize, accept, and actively exercise their responsibility and freedom: to choose how to be or act differently, if such change is so desired; or, if not, to tolerate, affirm and embrace their chosen ways of being in the world….
Existential therapy does not provide easy answers. From an existential perspective, there are no quick solutions. But through persistence, courage, and a willingness to look into the darkness, clients can be helped to make the most of the lives that they have.”
Existential Analysis and Logotherapy
being oriented toward fulfillment
Existential Analysis (EA) is a type of existential therapy that arose from Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy. If you have read Frankl’s book “Man’s Search for Meaning”, then you’re more familiar with my approach to therapy than you may have realized.
Logotherapy was expanded into EA by Frankl’s student, Dr. Alfried Längle, who describes four fundamental conditions for a fulfilled existence. These conditions each pose their own questions, to which fulfilment means we can answer with a four-fold ‘Yes’:
1) Existence – Can I be?
2) Life – Do I like to be?
3) Self – May I be myself?
4) Meaning – For what?
At many points throughout our lives, we may find it difficult to say “Yes” to at least one if not all, these questions. There are many life circumstances that can disrupt our experiences of fulfilment. If you choose to work with me, we will explore these four areas of your life and address any blockages or disruptions so that you can move toward fulfilment.
EA’s Four Fundamental Conditions-
Can i be?
I exist as a being in the world, but am I safe enough to do so? Do I have enough support? Am I connected to my body?
This pillar of existence has to do with being embodied and embedded within a physical/material world.
If we can’t answer yes to this question, we often feel anxiety on some level.
Do I like to be?
I exist as a being in the world & I have my life and my experiences, but do I like my life? Am I connected with my feelings? My values? Relationships?
This pillar has to do with one’s relatedness to life.
If we can’t answer yes to this question, we may experience depression.
may I be myself?
I also exist as more than a physical being, but as a unique person. Am I allowed to be me? May I be my authentic self in the world, in relationships? Am I connected to my moral conscience?
This pillar has to do with one’s identity and authenticity.
If we can’t answer yes to this question, we may suffer a loss of or estrangement from self.
For what?
Being in this world means I am also questioned by life: for what am I here? What is my meaning and purpose? To what can I orient myself?
This pillar has to do with meaning, direction, and taking purposeful action.
If we can’t answer yes to this question, we may feel lost, directionless, or despair.
Where can I learn/study existential therapy?
You’re in luck! My colleagues and I teach existential therapy at our institute: the Canadian Institute of Existential Analysis and Logotherapy. It’s a bit of a mouthful, so we just go by CIEAL (pronounced SEAL). We teach the foundations of existential therapy, as well as specialized topics for both professional and personal enrichment. Be sure to check it out– we would love the opportunity to engage with you!