Logotherapy and Viktor Frankl's Man's Search for Meaning

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Logotherapy

Logotherapy is a term derived from “logos,” a Greek word that translates as “meaning.” Therapy is defined as treatment of a disorder, illness, or maladjustment. Developed by Viktor Frankl, the theory is founded on the belief that human nature is motivated by the search for a life purpose; logotherapy is the pursuit of that meaning for one’s life.

• Components of Franklian Philosophy
• Logotherapy Theory
• How Logotherapy Works
• Logotherapy Techniques
• Criticism of Logotherapy
• Resources Related to Logotherapy

Components of Franklian Philosophy

There are three main components that are at the heart of the Franklian philosophy:

1. Each person has a healthy core.
2. The primary focus is to enlighten a person to their own internal resources and provide them with the tools to use their inner core.
3. Life offers you purpose and meaning; it does not owe you a sense of fulfillment or happiness.

Logotherapy Theory

Logotherapy is based on the theory that all healing and wisdom is derived from our noetic dimension and therein lays the cure for all of our negative harmonies, relationships and emotions. It is from the noetic dimension that we must gather the information necessary to develop a resolution of spirit which can be used to facilitate necessary change in our life circumstances and inner conflicts. By recognizing that we are spirit, we release the fear of death and the thought of others inflicting harm or usurping our physical health. Each person is seen as an authentic and unique being. Our lives, beliefs, and behaviors are all expressions of our uniqueness.

How Logotherapy Works

Logotherapy teaches us to transcend our negative belief patterns that inhibit our internal growth. By releasing these chains that bind our mind and spirit, we are free to pursue our deepest desires and achieve a satisfaction of life and fulfillment of purpose. Logotherapy guides us to alternate our perceptions in order to view situations differently and to accept and embrace what is beyond our control. Through effective communication between the client and therapist, the meaning of being and life purpose are discussed, examined, and explored. This method of therapy is viewed as a way of life, not exclusively as a treatment for challenging issues.

Logotherapy Techniques

The three main techniques of logotherapy are:

1. Dereflection - Dereflection is used when a person is overly self-absorbed on an issue or attainment of a goal. By redirecting the attention, or dereflecting the attention away from the self, the person can fully become whole by thinking about others rather than themselves.
2. Paradoxical intention - Paradoxical intention involves asking for the thing we fear the most. For clients who suffer anxiety or phobias, fear can paralyze them. But by using humor and ridicule, they can wish for the thing they fear the most, thus removing the fear from their intention and relieving the anxious symptoms associated with it.
3. Socratic dialogue - Socratic dialogue is a technique in which the logotherapist uses the own person's words as a method of self-discovery. By listening intently to what the person says, the therapist can point out specific patterns of words, or word solutions to the client, and let the client see new meaning in them. This process allows a person to realize that the answer lies within them and is just waiting to be discovered.

Criticism of Logotherapy

Logotherapy has been criticized for its similarities to religion. Frankl, the founder of logotherapy, was raised Jewish and used his faith to cope with many hardships during his life. His therapeutic technique leads people to discover their meaning, the higher purpose in their life. Critics have said this method is similar to the belief in God or a higher power and that the foundation of logotherapy is based in faith rather than in science. Frankl eventually stopped advocating for religion as part of logotherapy, and maintained that his method facilitated change through deep spiritual, emotional and physical awareness. Others questioned his intentions when he first began his exploration into logotherapy because he was employed at a Nazi hospital. Being Jewish, his peers thought it less than ethical that his theories originated as a result of experiments on Jews who had committed suicide during the holocaust. Additionally, any people thought his theories were more personal in nature than they were evidentiary or scientific. Many of the experiences Frankl used to form his logotherapy came from his own personal suffering and loss.

Resources Related to Logotherapy

• Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy
• Viktor Frankl Institute Vienna

http://www.goodtherapy.org/Logotherapy.html

Youtube link to the audiobook (27 segments in total) of Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe2R_R0kVaY&feature=share&list=PLB2FAABA218966C69