Existential therapy

What is existential psychotherapy?

Strictly speaking, existential psychotherapy and counselling is more akin to an approach to the therapeutic work (and to life) rather than a type of therapy.  However, this does in no way to minimise the importance and benefits of an existentially orientated psychotherapy.

One way of thinking about existential psychotherapy is to see it as a philosophical stance, rather than a rigid framework within which the clinician works.  As such it rejects the deterministic view of human nature found in more traditional psychoanalysis and the behaviour school approach.  Existential psychotherapy concerns itself with the problems of existing, or living, and sees clients’ suffering as their inability to accept life as it really is, rather than that their symptoms are manifestations of mental illness.

In existential psychotherapy, the clinician works with the client to help them to find purpose and meaning in their lives, and through the therapeutic alliance works with the client to live a more ‘authentic’ life.  In existential therapy, it is through the therapeutic relationship that ‘inauthentic’ ways of being in the world come to light.  Put more simply, it is within the therapy that the client finds safety and trust to explore the myriad of ways that they hide from themselves and others; how they avoid the realities of life. Whilst these realities can be hard to accept, it is only through embracing them that clients can find authentic – meaningful and purposeful – way of living their lives.

And, it is through the courage of accepting life as it is and embracing ones limitations, that many clients find their suffering and symptoms disappear; what in other types of therapy may be termed symptoms, or mental health problems.

Benefits of existential psychotherapy

In the existential approach, both counsellors and psychotherapists seek to come alongside the client as human beings.  What this means is that they seek to understand the client’s subjective experience of the world and their place in it.  If all neuroses and psychoses are fundamentally solutions to the problem of life and how to find meaning, then the dilemma is one faced by us all, the psychotherapist included.

Existential psychotherapy seeks to help clients find more constructive ways of creating meaning and alleviating their suffering.  For example, existential psychotherapy can be particularly useful in helping former addicts construct more meaningful and multi-faceted lives, where they can bear their distress and seek a wider range of healthy relationships and behaviours in lieu of their behaviour or drug of choice.

In the modern world where prescribed meaning is increasingly absent – religion, family, career – the existential approach can be extremely helpful in grounding clients and enabling them to firstly recognise the ordinariness of their humanity – all human beings must find purpose and meaning.  Secondly, the therapeutic relationship can be a vital collaboration helping clients to work out what will enable them to feel fulfilled and that they have meaning.

In essence, existential psychotherapy is about finding meaning in a world increasingly devoid of meaning.  A life lived without substantial meaning causes suffering, often experienced as anxiety and depression.

What can existential therapy help with?

Existential therapy can help you navigate times of uncertainty, transition, or emotional struggle. Rather than focusing on your symptoms, it explores how you relate to yourself, others, and the world around you. It’s a highly reflective process that encourages you to understand yourself and your personal responsibilities, helping you to confront life’s big questions about meaning, choice, mortality, and much more.

Through a supportive and therapeutic relationship, existential psychotherapy helps you to examine what truly matters to you and begin to live with greater honesty and purpose. Whether you’re facing anxiety, loss, or a sense of disconnection, existential therapy offers a path towards a more grounded and authentic existence.

What happens during existential therapy?

Existential therapy is a collaboration between the therapist and client where the therapist helps the client to explore the meaning and purpose of their life. This may involve examining their values, beliefs and goals as well as their relationships and sense of identity. Existential psychotherapy is premised on an enquiry into what makes your life meaningful.

The first meeting

The purpose of the initial meeting is to determine whether you and your therapist are a good fit for each other. It’s a time to discuss why you’re there, what you hope to gain from the process and your background. It’s also a time for you to ask as many questions as you feel necessary to make your decision to continue. This first meeting is important for your therapist to better understand you so they can tailor their approach to your specific needs.

Confidentiality in existential therapy

Confidentiality is important in any part of therapy. It’s important you feel comfortable sharing personal and often sensitive information with your therapist knowing they will keep this information private. Your therapist will explain their approach to confidentiality and outline what is expected of you and what you can expect from them. In general, everything discussed in your sessions is confidential, unless there are rare instances when there is a need to break confidentiality. For example, if you are at risk to yourself or others.

The frame

The frame in therapy refers to the physical and contractual boundaries that create a safe and structured environment for the therapeutic process. This includes the length, frequency, and overall structure of the sessions and the process. Your therapist will work with you to establish a framework that feels safe and supportive, whilst focused on achieving the goals you have set out in coming to therapy.

Ongoing sessions

Existential therapy can be conducted over a period of weeks, months, or even years depending on the needs of the individual and whether you, as the client, continue to find the work and the process useful. Ongoing sessions are designed to provide ongoing support and guidance as you explore your inner world. Many of our clients, once getting into the flow of therapy, enjoy the intimate relationship and opportunities to make deep changes to their life.

Our existential psychotherapists Brighton and Lewes

We have a number of highly trained and experienced existential psychotherapists here at Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy. We understand how vital it is to work with a therapist you trust and feel comfortable with, so we take great care to ensure you’re well matched with your therapist so that you can get the most out of your sessions.

Mark Vahrmeyer, UKCP Registered

Mark is a psychoanalytically and existentially informed psychotherapist with a wide range of clinical experience from both the public and private sectors. He currently sees both individuals and couples, primarily for open-ended depth psychotherapy.

Dr Simon Cassar, UKCP registered, DProf(Psych)

Simon is an experienced integrative existential psychotherapist with a professional doctorate in this field providing long- and short-term psychotherapy to individuals.

Susanna Petitpierre, UKCP registered, DPsych

Susanna is an experienced psychotherapist with a professional doctorate, providing long- and short-term counselling and psychotherapy. Her approach is primarily grounded in individual existential therapy.

David Keighley BACP Accredited

David is a counsellor/psychotherapist offering short and long term therapy to individuals and couples using a variety of techniques such as EMDR, CBT and schema therapy. Existential psychotherapy formed part of his core psychotherapy training at Regents College. He is also a trained clinical supervisor.

Existential psychotherapy is offered by Mark Vahrmeyer, Dr Simon Cassar, Susanna Petitpierre and David Keighley.

If you are unsure of the type of therapy you need, you can search for a therapist here.

Why choose Brighton and Hove psychotherapy?

Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy provides high quality psychotherapy and consultancy services in Brighton and Hove, Lewes, and online. With over a decade of experience and a talented team of skilled associates, we have built a solid reputation for excellence.

Unlike so many directory sites that purport to be clinics, or large operations comprising of a high number of clinicians, we have purposefully kept our team small enough to ensure we can all work together on a personal basis, whilst being large enough to cater to the diverse needs of our client base.

To find out more about how Brighton and Hove Psychotherapy can help you through existential therapy,get in touch with us today to arrange your initial consultation.