What is emphasized in existential therapies like Logotherapy?

In existential therapies such as Logotherapy, there is a strong emphasis on the human condition of isolation. This approach recognizes that individuals often grapple with feelings of loneliness and disconnection from others and from meaning in their lives. Logotherapy, developed by Viktor Frankl, specifically focuses on helping individuals find purpose and meaning in their existence, particularly in the face of suffering and isolation.

This focus on the human condition encourages clients to confront their experiences of isolation and to seek out ways to derive significance from their struggles. The therapeutic process involves exploring existential themes, such as freedom, responsibility, and the search for meaning, rather than solely concentrating on past experiences or employing specific behavioral or cognitive techniques. By addressing the feelings of isolation, therapists aim to empower individuals to live authentically and with purpose, which is central to the philosophy of Logotherapy.