by Don Laird, NCC, LPC
In an era where uncertainty seems to be our constant companion, most find themselves grappling with questions of meaning, purpose, isolation, and the unpredictability of life. Existential therapy offers a powerful and relational approach to coping with these challenges by focusing on basic human experiences such as responsibility, isolation, death, and meaning.
At its core, existential therapy encourages individuals to confront the anxiety that naturally arises from the human condition. Rather than avoiding discomfort, this therapy method invites clients to explore the inherent unpredictability of life, partner with their anxiety, and find personal meaning within it. By acknowledging that suffering is an unavoidable part of existence, individuals can develop a deeper sense of agency, rather than feeling overwhelmed by it.
Therapists using this approach help clients explore their values, beliefs, and fears, fostering self-awareness and empowering them to make conscious choices, even in the face of ambiguity or chaos. Through this process, clients often learn to embrace the “here and now,” and shift their focus from trying to control the future to engaging more fully with life as it unfolds.
In uncertain times, existential therapy provides a grounding force, reminding us that while we can’t always control what happens around us, we have the power to shape how we respond. It encourages a life lived with purpose, authenticity, and agency, despite the unpredictability of the world.
