Existential therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives. It is based on existential philosophy which proposes that human beings have free will and are responsible for giving meaning to their own lives. Existential therapy encourages people to confront core existential issues such as death, freedom, isolation and meaninglessness. The goal is to help clients accept the basic conditions of human existence and realize that they alone are responsible for their life choices, beliefs and actions. Some of the key themes in existential therapy include:
- Freedom and responsibility – we have the freedom to make choices, and with this freedom comes responsibility.
- Meaninglessness – life has no inherent meaning, we must create our own meaning and purpose.
- Death – our mortality influences how we live and the meaning we attach to life.
- Isolation – we are fundamentally alone in making choices that shape our existence.
- Authentic living – making choices true to oneself rather than conforming to others’ expectations.
Existential therapy involves dialogues between therapist and client aimed at raising the client’s awareness of these existential concerns. The therapist helps the client learn to make life-affirming choices and become their authentic self. Some techniques used in existential therapy include:
- Phenomenological exploration – examining the client’s subjective experience of the world.
- Presence – being fully present and engaged with the client.
- Meaning analysis – identifying the meaning and purpose the client has created in their life.
- Paradoxical intention – getting the client to examine their fears through exaggeration.
Overall, existential therapy aims to help people live more meaningful lives by taking responsibility for their choices and becoming their true authentic selves. So how might this align with biblical principles?
Freedom and Responsibility
The Bible teaches that human beings have free will and are responsible for their moral choices. “So then each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12). However, our freedom is limited and contingent on God’s sovereignty. True freedom comes from recognizing God’s authority and His plans for our lives. “For freedom Christ has set us free…only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another” (Galatians 5:1, 13). As image-bearers of God, we are called to make wise choices that align with God’s will as revealed through Christ and Scripture.
Meaninglessness
The Bible adamantly rejects the notion that life is meaningless. Human beings and creation have meaning and purpose because we are made by a purposeful God. “For by him all things were created…And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16-17). Our lives only have meaning and purpose when centered around God, the source of meaning. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). Apart from Christ, our lives are meaningless.
Death
Existential therapy emphasizes the finality of death. Biblically, death is a sobering reality that entered the world through human sin. “The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). However, Jesus Christ conquered death through his resurrection, giving hope of eternal life to those who believe in him. “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). The hope of resurrection and eternal life with Christ removes death’s sting and empowers us to live fully (1 Corinthians 15:54-58).
Isolation
The Bible directly counters our fundamental isolation and loneliness. Through faith in Christ, we are adopted into God’s family and united with other believers in the body of Christ. “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19). We are meant for community, united by the Holy Spirit. God promises to be always present through His Spirit. “Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9).
Authentic Living
Being authentic involves knowing our true selves as created by God. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). It means living according to our God-given identity, rather than conforming to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:1-2). Most importantly, being authentic means acknowledging our sinfulness and need for a Savior. “If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8). Authentic faith manifests itself through repentance and reliance on Christ’s redemptive work on the cross.
Additional Perspectives
While existential therapy offers some important insights, a biblical perspective provides a more holistic and hopeful approach to life’s big questions. Some additional biblical perspectives include:
- Hope – We have hope of eternal life and comfort through God’s presence (Titus 3:7; Psalm 23:4).
- Purpose – Our lives have God-given meaning and purpose when aligned with His will (Jeremiah 29:11; Matthew 28:19-20).
- Truth – Absolute, objective truth exists as revealed by God through Christ and Scripture (John 14:6; 2 Timothy 3:16).
- Redemption – We are fallen people, but Christ redeems us, bringing forgiveness and restoration (Ephesians 1:7; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
- Community – We are created for fellowship with God and others (Acts 2:42-47; Hebrews 10:24-25).
In summary, existential therapy offers helpful insights into the human condition, but needs to be balanced by biblical truths about human nature, purpose, community, redemption, and hope. Seeking counseling support can be very valuable, but true meaning, freedom and authentic identity are found in relationship with God through Jesus Christ.