What is the primary goal of existential psychotherapy?

The primary goal of existential psychotherapy is indeed to help clients overcome troublesome feelings, but it goes deeper than just alleviating symptoms. Existential therapy centers around the exploration of the individual's existence, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning. It acknowledges the inherent challenges of the human condition, including issues such as anxiety, isolation, and the search for purpose.

In this therapeutic approach, clients are encouraged to confront these discomforting feelings and experiences head-on, rather than avoiding or suppressing them. By doing so, they can achieve greater self-understanding and make more authentic choices about their lives. The emphasis is on personal responsibility and the freedom to shape one's own destiny, which can empower clients to tackle their emotional struggles more effectively.

This differs from other approaches, such as those that focus primarily on childhood experiences or use medication management as a primary tool. Existential therapy does not prioritize dream analysis or unconscious thought examination in the same way as psychoanalytic methods. Instead, it fosters a dialogue about the meaning of life and the choices individuals make, providing a framework for clients to engage meaningfully with their thoughts and emotions.