Existential psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on the unique aspects of human existence, emphasizing the individual’s subjective experience, freedom, responsibility, and search for meaning in life. It emerged from existential philosophy, particularly the works of philosophers such as Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, and Jean-Paul Sartre, and has been developed further by psychologists such as Viktor Frankl, Rollo May, and Irvin Yalom.

Key principles of existential psychology include:

1. Existential Themes: Existential psychology explores fundamental existential themes, including the experience of anxiety, alienation, freedom, responsibility, death, and the search for meaning. It recognizes that these existential concerns are inherent aspects of the human condition and shape individuals’ experiences and behaviors.
2. Subjective Experience: Existential psychology emphasizes the importance of understanding individuals’ subjective experiences and perspectives. It acknowledges that each person’s experience of existence is unique and influenced by factors such as personal history, culture, and context. Existential therapists aim to understand clients’ subjective experiences and help them explore and make sense of their lived experiences.
3. Freedom and Responsibility: Existential psychology highlights the concept of existential freedom, which refers to the individual’s capacity to make choices and create meaning in their lives. With freedom comes the existential responsibility to take ownership of one’s choices and actions, accept the consequences of those choices, and take responsibility for shaping one’s own life path.
4. Search for Meaning: Existential psychology emphasizes the fundamental human need to find meaning and purpose in life. It recognizes that individuals grapple with questions about the meaning of existence, their place in the world, and the significance of their experiences. Existential therapy focuses on helping individuals explore and clarify their values, goals, and beliefs to create a sense of meaning and purpose in life.
5. Authenticity and Inauthenticity: Existential psychology distinguishes between living authentically and inauthentically. Authentic living involves embracing one’s true self, values, and goals, and living in alignment with one’s authentic identity. Inauthentic living, on the other hand, involves conforming to societal expectations, denying one’s true desires, or living according to others’ expectations. Existential therapy encourages clients to cultivate authenticity and live in alignment with their true selves.
6. Encounter with Death: Existential psychology acknowledges the existential reality of death and its profound impact on individuals’ lives. The awareness of mortality can evoke existential anxiety and prompt individuals to confront questions about the meaning and purpose of life. Existential therapy helps individuals explore their attitudes toward death, confront existential fears, and find meaning in the face of mortality.
7. Therapeutic Process: Existential therapy emphasizes the therapeutic relationship as a collaborative and exploratory journey between therapist and client. Therapists create a supportive and nonjudgmental space for clients to explore existential concerns, confront existential challenges, and work toward greater self-awareness and personal growth. Existential therapy techniques may include self-reflection, exploration of values and beliefs, existential questioning, and exploration of existential themes through literature, art, and philosophy.

Overall, existential psychology offers a holistic and humanistic approach to understanding human existence and promoting psychological well-being. By addressing fundamental existential concerns and helping individuals find meaning and purpose in life, existential therapy aims to facilitate personal growth, resilience, and fulfillment.