Existential therapy is a type of talk therapy that helps people explore the deep questions of life. It focuses on meaning, freedom, responsibility, and what it means to be human. Instead of just treating symptoms like anxiety or depression, this approach looks at the bigger picture—why we suffer, what gives our life purpose, and how we face the challenges of being alive.

Existential therapy doesn’t offer simple answers. It encourages people to reflect on their choices, beliefs, and values. It’s not about changing who you are, but about understanding how you live and whether that life feels true to you.

The basics of existential therapy

This therapy comes from existential philosophy. Thinkers like Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Viktor Frankl all influenced its ideas. These philosophers believed that life is full of uncertainty and that people must find their own meaning in a world that doesn’t give it automatically.

Existential therapists believe that many mental health issues come from avoiding painful truths about life. These truths include the fact that we are free to choose, that we will someday die, and that we sometimes feel alone or uncertain. When people avoid thinking about these things, they can feel anxious, stuck, or lost.

Instead of focusing on a diagnosis, existential therapy looks at how a person is living their life. Are they running from responsibility? Are they denying difficult emotions? Are they living in a way that matches their values? These are the kinds of questions an existential therapist might explore.

Key themes in existential therapy

Several key themes run through this type of therapy. These include:

Freedom and responsibility – We are free to make our own choices, but with that freedom comes the responsibility for those choices. This can feel overwhelming, but it also gives us power.

Meaning and purpose – Humans need a sense of meaning to feel fulfilled. When people feel their life lacks purpose, they may become depressed or unmotivated. Therapy helps them explore what matters most to them.

Isolation and connection – Even though we are surrounded by people, each of us has our own inner world. That can feel lonely at times. Existential therapy helps people understand this isolation and build authentic relationships.

Death and loss – We all must face the reality of death, both our own and the loss of others. While this truth can be scary, it also reminds us to live fully and with intention.

Authenticity – Living authentically means being true to yourself. It means making choices based on your own values, not on what others expect of you.

What happens in existential therapy?

Existential therapy is usually done in one-on-one sessions with a trained therapist. There’s no strict set of techniques. The focus is more on deep conversation, reflection, and honesty.

Therapists may ask questions like:

• What does it mean for you to live a good life?
• What are you avoiding in your life right now?
• Where do you feel free? Where do you feel stuck?
• What gives your life meaning?

The goal is not to “fix” you, but to help you understand yourself more deeply. That understanding often leads to more freedom, peace, and clarity.

Who can benefit from existential therapy?

Existential therapy is helpful for people who are going through major life changes or crises. This could include the loss of a loved one, a serious illness, divorce, or simply a deep feeling of emptiness. It can also help people who are struggling with anxiety, depression, or a lack of direction. It’s especially useful for those who are interested in personal growth and who want to explore life’s big questions in a thoughtful way.

In conclusion

Existential therapy is not about quick fixes. It’s a journey inward. It helps people face the realities of life with courage and curiosity, and supports them in finding meaning in the middle of uncertainty. If you’re feeling lost, stuck, or unsure of what really matters to you, existential therapy can offer a space to explore those feelings and reconnect with a sense of purpose.