3 Basic Concepts of Logotherapy

Introduction

Ever since time immemorial, people have tried to find meaning in life. A lot of philosophers came and went by. As time passed, psychology was discovered, and with that, the branches. Psychology is considered to be the child of philosophy and Physiology. Several concepts we know in philosophy are also used in Psychology, and there is a clear overlap between the two. One of the most important subfields of psychology is Logotherapy which finds its roots in philosophy. So stick around as we dissect the topic and help you understand everything you need to know about the subject.

What is Logotherapy?

Logotherapy is a popular branch of psychology that is specific to psychotherapy. It focuses exclusively on existentialism and tries to help people find meaning and purpose. The concept comes from the assumption that people have an innate need for a purpose and a sense of direction in life. Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl, a survivor of the Holocaust, first developed it. He, too, believed that having meaning in life was essential.
This form of psychotherapy aims to help people find meaning in their personal lives by assisting them to discover and pursue their unique sense of purpose. It emphasizes focusing on the present and future and letting go of past mistakes, troubles, and traumas. It also focuses on helping people find meaning in their problems and seek growth and development rather than allowing their concerns to pull them down.
Methods used
Logotherapy has three popular techniques that psychotherapists have been using for years now. 

3 Basic Concepts of Logotherapy

1. Socratic Dialogue
The most popular of them is the Socratic dialogue. In this technique, the psychotherapist lets the induvial explore their values and beliefs. Here, several questions are asked, and the therapist encourages the person to think deeply about the questions and answer only after proper contemplation. People are encouraged to contemplate their values and beliefs as well and then relate the question with the situation they are in life. This helps people gain insight into their lives and find meaning in their experiences.

2. Paradoxical Intention
The second technique used is the paradoxical intention. It is very evident what it means. Here, the therapist encourages the patient to pick a line of thinking opposite to what they are afraid of. By doing this, the patient can confront their fears and gain some semblance of control over their situation in life. This is more effective with people who suffer from anxiety and severe phobias.
3. Deflection
The last technique used is called deflection. It focuses on helping the patient shift their focus from their problems to something that is on the outside. This helps them understand the situation they may have overlooked while worrying about.

Criticisms

Even though this method has a lot of benefits, over the years, it has also been criticized. One of the major criticisms has been that it is overly simple and may fail to address the complex nature of the human mind and mental health. People argue that by finding meaning and purpose in life, people cannot handle the underlying psychological troubles and will only increase the problems.
Another major criticism against it is that it cannot be appropriate for several demographics, such as those with severe mental health issues or those who may have faced extreme forms of trauma.

Conclusion

Despite the criticisms, Logotherapy remains famous amongst those seeking greater meaning and purpose. It is particularly effective for individuals struggling with purposelessness or seeking more significant direction. If you want to explore Logotherapy further, consult a qualified therapist who can guide you through the process and help you find meaning and purpose.
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