By Charisse Tay
Existentialism is a philosophy that has intrigued and inspired me for many years. It is a perspective that emphasizes our freedom to create meaning in our own lives, and it holds that the meaning of life is something that we must create for ourselves. As a therapist, I have found that exploring this perspective with my clients can be incredibly beneficial for their mental and emotional well-being. I would like to share some of my thoughts and reflections on how existentialism can be used to help us find meaning and purpose in our lives.
As a therapist, I have seen firsthand how overwhelming it can feel to be lost and disconnected, to feel like life has no purpose or direction. Many of my clients come to me feeling like they are just going through the motions of life, without any real sense of meaning or fulfillment. They often describe feelings of being “stuck”, emptiness, depression, and anxiety. These feelings point to a deeper sense of alienation from the world around them.
These feelings can be difficult to navigate, but I believe that they can also be an opportunity for growth and self-discovery. One way to explore these feelings is through the lens of existentialism.
Existentialism is a philosophical perspective that emphasizes the individual's freedom to create meaning in their own lives. It holds that the meaning of life is something that we must discover for ourselves, and that we are ultimately responsible for our own happiness and well-being. This can be a difficult concept to grasp, especially when we are feeling lost and disconnected, but it also offers a sense of freedom and agency. Instead of looking for a pre-determined purpose or direction, we can create our own path and find meaning in our own way.
One way to explore these ideas in therapy is through journaling and self-reflection. I encourage clients to explore their thoughts and feelings about their existence, which can provide a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. It can also help us to see that our feelings of meaninglessness are not unique, but rather a common human experience. By acknowledging these feelings and exploring them, we can begin to understand and accept them. This can be an important step in finding meaning and purpose in their lives.
Another way to explore existentialism in therapy is through mindfulness practices. Mindfulness can help to ground us in the present moment, which can be a powerful antidote to feelings of emptiness. By paying attention to our thoughts and emotions, we can begin to see that our mind is always in motion, and that our thoughts and emotions are not always accurate reflections of reality. This can give us a sense of perspective and help us to see that our feelings are temporary and that we are not defined by them. Like waves, our feelings and thoughts come and go. Mindfulness can also help us to see the beauty and mystery of life, which can be a powerful reminder that there is more to life than our immediate thoughts and emotions.
One of the most powerful aspects of existentialism is the realization that we are not alone in our struggles. We all have moments of feeling lost and disconnected, and this is a universal human experience. Recognizing this can help us to feel less isolated and more connected to the world around us. The therapy room creates an opportunity for us to connect to another person in the here-and-now.
Existentialism also reminds us that we have the freedom and agency to create our own meaning and purpose in life. Instead of looking for answers from external sources, we can look within ourselves and find what is truly important to us. This can be a difficult process, but it is also incredibly empowering.
Another aspect of existentialism that is particularly relevant to therapy is the emphasis on personal responsibility. We are not victims of circumstance, but rather we have the power to shape our own lives. This can be a difficult concept to accept, especially when we are going through difficult times, but it also offers a sense of hope and the possibility for change.
Exploring life from an existential perspective can be a challenging but ultimately rewarding process. It can help us understand ourselves and the world around us in a deeper way and can also provide a sense of purpose and direction in our lives. Through the use of journaling, mindfulness practices, and self-discovery, we can learn to accept themselves as we are and to find meaning in our lives. It's not an easy task, but taking the time to explore our existence can have a profound impact on our mental and emotional well-being.
Charisse is a pre-licensed professional in Dallas, TX who works with individuals living with anxiety and depression to help them connect with deeper purpose and meaning in life. She blogs at http://charissetay.com.
Charisse works out of ROCC’s Richardson office. To schedule an appointment with her, please call 469-619-7622 or email ROCC's Richardson office at ROCC.Richardson@richlandoaks.org.