What is Logotherapy

Introduction 

Logotherapy is a meaning-centred psychological theory developed by Viktor Frankl. Formulated to promote freewill, personal responsibility, and the human spirit based on his personal experiences, had later confirmed during his encounters at the concentration camp. 

Encompassing humanistic and existential psychology, summarised Freud’s “will to pleasure” and Alder’s “will to power”, the term “logotherapy” was first coined in 1938. Further expanding Frankl’s future orientation of humans’ capacity, it has provided a tool for overcoming psychological distress via life purpose-searching.¹

If you are puzzled, or struggling to find life meaningful, continuing reading this may help you.

Theoretical framework 

Recognising finding meaning and purpose as human’s primary motivation. A therapeutic approach that laid the foundation for the exploration of human capacity in transcending external environments has been developed.^1,2

Three pillars of logotherapy:¹

Other core concepts 

Existential vacuum

Existential vacuum is defined as deep feelings of meaninglessness due to loss of life interests and lack of initiative and proactiveness, leading to existential frustration and various psychological distress. To pursue personal fulfilment, filling this void with meaningful pursuits, connections, and values is essential.³

Tragic triad: unavoidable guilt, suffering, and death

The tragic triad encompasses unavoidable guilt, suffering, and death. As the fundamental existential realities of humans, they are inherent and unable to escape.¹

By confrontation and acceptance, deeper self-awareness and a greater sense of meaning can be fostered.

Noogenic neuroses vs. psychogenic neuroses

Neurosis is the psychological disturbances that disrupt an individual’s well-being and functioning, distinguished among two types: neogenic and psychogenic. While noogenic neurosis is from a lack of meaning and life purpose, upon existential distress or emptiness. Psychogenic neurosis originates from unresolved psychological conflicts, more commonly addressed by psychotherapy.⁴

Three main sources of meaning 

Meaning is specifically intended for each of us when confronting life circumstances. It would only be meaningful when we are called to responsibly answer to its demands.⁵

There are three fundamental sources of meaning.⁵

Logotherapeutic techniques 

Logotherapy is a brief therapy, the following techniques could help individuals in navigating existential challenges, and achieve personal growth.¹ 

Applications 

Existential crisis and major life transitions 

Logotherapy is highly effective in helping individuals who are facing existential crises, such as terminal illnesses, and life-changing disabilities.^6,7 It assists in values and purposes of exploration, despite life changes. This facilitates new directing findings while fostering fulfilment in life. 

Psychotherapy and counselling 

Logotherapy is a valuable psychotherapeutic and counselling approach, especially for depression and anxiety. Not only does it help to challenge their irrational beliefs and redirect their focus. It also provides tools for mental health challenges navigation, while fostering a sense of purpose and meaning.^8,9 

Grief and loss 

Logotherapy can be applied to those experiencing grief and loss. While aiding meaning discovery amid sorrow, in healing facilitation. It also encourages finding of new avenues in honouring and remembering their loved ones while embracing life.¹⁰ 

Addiction and substance abuse recovery

Logotherapy is beneficial in the addiction and substance abuse recovery process. By inspiring the discovery of purpose and meaning in life beyond addiction, it can also help reduce reliance towards external materials. Thereby supporting sobriety journey, towards a flourishing life.^11,12

Work and career counselling

Logotherapy can also be utilised in work and career counselling. Assisting a deeper understanding of one’s values, strengths, and passions. It enables the making of informed decisions about career paths for greater work satisfaction and fulfilment. 

Integration with other therapeutic approaches

Existential psychology

Both approaches emphasise the importance of individual choice and responsibility in creating meaning in life. Existential psychology explores questions of existence, freedom, and the search for meaning, while logotherapy can provide practical techniques and interventions to help throughout the search for meaning and purpose.¹³

Positive psychology

With positive psychology emphasis on searching for meaning, logotherapy can be integrated into its flourishing and well-being promotion, to further highlight the significance of meaningful goals and values on life satisfaction and overall happiness enhancement.¹⁴

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)

Logotherapy can be integrated with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), by identifying the underlying existential issues, encouraging the search for meaning, and even facilitating the diagnosis and treatment of personality disorders, as a way to overcome psychological difficulties.¹⁴

Humanistic psychology

Moreover, logotherapy can be integrated with Humanistic Psychology, which stresses the importance of self-actualization and personal growth. While both share a common belief in the inherent potential of the search for meaning and strive towards personal fulfilment, logotherapy provides a more practical way to put the theories to reality practices.¹⁵

Limitations and future considerations 

Lack of empirical evidence

One major criticism is the lack of empirical evidence in support of logotherapy effectiveness, compared to other psychotherapies. While there are numerous case studies supporting its efficacy, there are large-scale, controlled validations in proving their outcomes.

Potential oversimplification of human experience

While arguing that logotherapy might have oversimplified the complexities of human suffering and psychology, by emphasising the search for meaning as a resolution for all psychological issues and challenging life circumstances. It might not adequately address underlying psychological disorders or traumas and more comprehensive treatment are required. 

Cultural, contextual, and individual variations 

Logotherapy’s concept might not be universally applicable across diverse cultural, societal, and individual differences. While stressing responsibility and meaning-making might not resonate the collectivist cultures, or those facing systemic oppression and structural barriers. It might also be less effective among those who do not adhere to existential, religious, or spiritual beliefs. 

Future research on evidence base expansion, therapeutic refinements, and considerations of applicability in diverse contexts and populations, are still necessary for its ongoing development and relevance in clinical practice. 

FAQs 

Is logotherapy the same as existential therapy? 

Logotherapy is distinct from the humanistic/existential school of psychotherapy, due to its focus on the human spirit, and the meaning of human existence, as well as the man's search for its meaning. 

What are the four worlds of existential therapy?

They are physical, social, personal, and spiritual worlds. Therapists will help you in identifying the worlds that haven’t been explored fully, and the distress induced by the contradictions between them.

What are the symptoms of existential suffering?

It includes lack of meaning or purpose, loss of connectedness to others, thoughts about the dying process, struggles around the state of being, difficulty in finding a sense of self, loss of hope, loss of autonomy, and loss of temporality. 

How to become a logotherapist in the UK?

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, counselling or related field
• Graduate training: Pursue a postgraduate qualification in counselling or psychotherapy accredited by a recognized professional body such as the BACP or UKCP, including coursework in existential therapy and logotherapy
• Specialised training: Look for workshops, seminars, or training programs specifically focused on logotherapy
• Supervised practice: Gain practical experience through supervised clinical placements or internships
• Certification and Accreditation: Consider pursuing certification in logotherapy through organisations such as the Viktor Frankl Institute or the International Society for Logotherapy and Existential Analysis (GLE International)
• Continuous Professional Development: Stay updated on developments in the logotherapeutic field through continuing education, workshops, conferences, and networking with other professionals
• Registration with Professional Bodies: Register with relevant professional bodies such as the BACP or UKCP, if applicable

Summary 

Logotherapy is a psychotherapy centre in search of meaning and purpose amid suffering and adversities, through focus shifting, reframing, and circumstances confrontation. While crucial in addressing existential crises and enhancing well-being in contemporary psychology, logotherapy's focus on meaning distinguishes it from traditional symptom-oriented approaches, creating novel viewpoints towards psychology. Its ultimate advocate for embracing life challenges as opportunities for growth has also empowered self-discovery and personal fulfilment towards healing.