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Logotherapy: A Therapy of Meaning

Writer's picture: Mindspark HealthMindspark Health

Logotherapy appealed to me the moment I was introduced to it. This was years ago one late night reading "A Man's Search For Meaning" by Victor Frankl, a chilling, true story of a psychiatrist who was prisoner during the holocaust. Most of the book was details about his experience that lead to his discovery of the importance of meaning and spawned the birth of logotherapy; a psychotherapy revolving around meaning. He illustrated the importance of meaning in life as a solution to human suffering and misery. He thought, by searching for meaning, one will find liberation, hope, solace, and a better, more fulfilling life.


Frankl essentially thought meaning was the pinnacle of life and humans should seek out it's truest form. Logotherapy today is recognized as a psychotherapy all over the world and used for people that suffer from depression, anxiety, grief, and stress.


Logotherapy:


Meaning is unique to each individual almost like a fingerprint or their DNA. It can only be fulfilled by that individual and not someone else. Frankl mentioned that meaning takes effort and is explored in the world through interactions and experiences with others. In my opinion, this is similar to Maslow and his hierarchy of needs model where one attains enlightenment and self actualization after achieving foundational needs. Humans can create meaning in several ways; through work or accomplishment, through experience, relationships and love, and lastly, by creating a positive attitude toward suffering or what may be referred to the "attitude of gratitude". As with buddist philosophy, Frankl mentioned that life is suffering, and discovering meaning albeit dire conditions will help alleviate one's suffering.


Logotherapy Application:


1. To explore meaning in one's life

2. To help navigate the true meaning in the world and true identity

3. To reveal the hierarchy of meaning and values

4. To improve coping and make life worth living


Techniques in Logotherapy:


*De-reflection and becoming concerned about others. Instilling empathy and compassion to minimize self criticism and suffering. There's something called compassion training, which I employ with patients as we delve into finding purpose, achieving balance and exercising empathy toward others.

*Socratic dialogue, a common technique in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and lastly, discovering that the individual has the solutions within themselves. In other words, empowerment! Everything is already there and we have the necessary tools to overcome opposition, trauma and defeat,



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