The human spirit, attitude, and freedom of choice are the foundations of logotherapy, a psychotherapeutic framework developed to help you cope with extreme distress by finding purpose in life.
Logotherapy loosely translates as “healing through meaning” in Greek. Austrian psychiatrist and Holocaust survivor Viktor Frankl developed this psychotherapy approach.
Born in 1905 in Vienna,
For the 2.5 years he spent in confinement, Frankl found himself searching for meaning within the physical and psychological tortures that he and those around him experienced daily. His observations about the power of finding purpose, even in extreme chaos, ultimately led to the development of logotherapy.
According to Frankl’s theoretical framework, finding meaning in life is essential to a person’s ability to cope, adapt, and overcome adversity, but it isn’t something found only in negative events.
It’s found in every moment, in the attitude you choose while navigating life’s difficulties, and in how you give back to the world.
Logotherapy, considered a type of existential therapy, is founded on the principle that searching for meaning in life is a core human trait and finding that meaning is the key to mental well-being and flourishing. It’s also known as meaning-centered therapy.
Frankl believed traumatic or difficult experiences could be viewed as part of a larger life roadmap, and as unavoidable events that must be endured to reach a greater, desirable purpose or outcome.
The core concepts in logotherapy
The “human spirit” is highlighted at the core of logotherapy. This is a nonreligious concept, but rather a spiritual dimension of self that allows:
- learning from mistakes
- adapting to new circumstances
- developing a conscience, a sense of right and wrong
- loving and offering a service to…
Read the full article here
