philosophy

Existential therapy is a philosophically informed approach to psychotherapy - it emphasizes how we relate to ourselves, to others, and ultimately to the world. Because of this, existential therapy is particularly well attuned to assist those in crisis - indeed, the fundamental core of the theory is the existential crisis itself: that I exist, that I continue to exist, and that the world is separate from me - regardless of my action, the world continues, and I must find some meaning (and peace) in this fact if I am to hold onto my sanity.

Existential therapy largely focuses on themes of authenticity, fulfillment, meaning, purpose, and acceptance - that makes it especially effective for deep work - the myriad of experiences that bring clients to therapy are reflected within the inescapable reality of human existence - from the wonderful to the tragic, the horrific to the beautiful, the material to the spiritual- existential therapy encompasses these themes as we search for a re-connection to the value of your life.

Clients are encouraged to embrace their own truth, and it is through exploring your truth that we find reconnection with themes of: choice, creativity, freedom, and mortality.

We are able to explore these questions, using your experiences to draw meaning and connection to the significant potential within your life - directly addressing contextual themes that appear out of your control: suffering, anxiety, guilt, despair, loss and grief.

In therapy, if we adopt a perspective of non-judgement, and we remove our presuppositions on what our lives should be like, we are better equipped to explore what your existence really has been like - and, conversely, how you can work to accept it. For all of us, authenticity begins in living and accepting ‘life on life’s terms’, only then can we begin to create a life that is reflective of our truest self.

This approach to therapy treats clients based upon their own understanding, because it recognizes that cognitive dissonance and distortions accompany the existential crisis - addressing these can be a pivotal focal point for the existential therapist - encouraging clients to be authentic in the here-and-now setting, to feel safe in giving voice to their concerns, and in identifying inconsistent and incompatible realities within their narrative.

I aim to honor each client’s experiences while guiding them toward self-actualization by illuminating and clarifying their ability to have agency within their own lives. Clients are guided towards self determination, recognizing and accepting their freedom to elicit change, if change is what they truly want.

We must learn to tolerate, embrace, affirm, or change our way of being in the world if we are to truly become authentic human beings.