In existential therapy, how is maladaptive behavior viewed?

In existential therapy, maladaptive behavior is viewed as a natural part of the human condition. This perspective emphasizes the idea that individuals often experience anxiety, despair, and struggles as inherent aspects of existence. Rather than framing maladaptive behavior strictly as a pathology that requires treatment, existential therapy focuses on understanding the client's experiences and how those experiences relate to their search for meaning, authenticity, and self-actualization.

This approach acknowledges that humans face existential dilemmas, and such dilemmas can lead to maladaptive behaviors when individuals struggle to find their place in the world or feel disconnected from their true selves. Thus, existential therapists encourage clients to explore their thoughts, feelings, and choices, fostering personal insight and encouraging them to confront the anxieties that come with freedom and responsibility. This approach is about embracing the human experience rather than pathologizing it, allowing for personal growth and a deeper understanding of one's circumstances.