Existential psychotherapy in Gothenburg
Existential psychotherapy refers to the part of psychology that puts its main focus on the human existential condition. There is much that we all share, just by virtue of being human. The human experience inherently contains a multitude of difficulties and challenges, and this can sometimes feel overwhelming to us. We may then need help to move forward. The existential condition concerns everything that is part of what it is to be human. It is based on certain fundamental assumptions:
Anxiety can never be completely eliminated, it is part of the human condition
Our inherent need for meaning and purpose
We possess a capacity for freedom and decision-making about our lives and we are most alive when we are allowed to tap into this potential for responsibility
Human life contains limitations and suffering and we function best when we face this truth rather than run away from it
The human experience - positive and negative - is the center of human being and the central component of psychotherapy
Human experience is fundamentally linked to our relationship with other people and the world around us
From the existential point of view, you don't have to be sick to feel bad. As a society, we are often quick to label illness and diagnose suffering. Life, and thus psychotherapy as a part of it, is seen as a process towards becoming as free and growing a being as possible. The goal then becomes to experience one's existence as real.
Existential philosophy
Existential psychotherapy has its basis in existential philosophy. This is where it differs from other forms of therapy, which usually do not have philosophy as integral to their work. It is used as a tool to help you find out how you want to live and what a good life might include. It focuses on the individual's ability and opportunity to choose the most fulfilling life for themselves, rather than conforming to the expectations of the outside world. Existential thinkers such as Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche and Martin Heidegger have enabled a deep and honest way of thinking about the human condition and the suffering it can bring. Through knowledge rooted in this philosophy, we work towards a way of being in the world that allows you to become as free and whole a person as possible.
What does this mean for you?
With this presentation of existential psychotherapy I want to give you an idea of the theoretical background I come from. For most people this does not matter much, for others it is part of the decision-making process. I expect nothing more from you than a willingness to come to the sessions and to try to speak as honestly as possible. If there are questions that are not answered here, we will address them in our initial meetings. The knowledge base is used as a basis for me, but should not affect you to any great extent. That said, not all therapies are suitable for all people. There are a variety of therapies for different problem descriptions and with different ways of working. But for most people, personal chemistry is far more important than working methodology. However, if you know for sure that these therapeutic approaches are not suitable for you, I think you can get great help elsewhere. Please get in touch for recommendations or assessments.
