A Brief History Of Logotherapy

 

If you are seeking personal growth chances are you have pondered the meaning of life.

This drive is what is referred to as Logotherapy. Logotherapy is a psychotherapeutic technique invented by Viktor Frankl. The name Logotherapy comes from the Greek word, Logos which refers to ‘meaning’. Whereas therapy means treatment of an illness, maladjustment or condition.

Logotherapy states that human beings are always inspired to find purpose in life. Just like other Viktor Frankl’s Theories, this one was also influenced by his own personal experiences. These experiences were not only connected to suffering but also the loss he experienced while in Nazi concentration camps.

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Where did Logotherapy originate from?

Viktor Frankl - Founder Of LogotherapyLogotherapy was developed by Viktor Frankl. He was born in the year 1905 in Vienna. Viktor Frankl trained both as a neurologist and psychiatrist. He went forth to spend 3 years in different Nazi concentration camps.

Frankl’s experience in these camps greatly influenced the creation of Logotherapy. While being brought into the camps he tried to sneak a book in that he had written. It was his life work and unfortunately, the book was confiscated. Unlike some of his cohorts who essentially gave up on life, he kept thinking about getting out so he could rewrite his book. The drive to complete the book gave his life meaning and a reason for living.

From this experience, he concluded that every human being is motivated to look for meaning in life. He even went further to publish a book known as Man’s Search for Meaning.

Frankl’s book comprehensively describes the experiences in Nazi concentration camps in the first half of it. The second half of the book goes further to explain simple tenets and Logotherapy techniques. Reading his book will provide you reasons why human beings are always on the quest of searching for a purpose in life.

  • Basic Logotherapy Principles
  • Life has a meaning in all circumstances, even if it is full of misery.
  • Our sole enthusiasm for living is the urge of finding the meaning of life.
  • Everyone has the freedom of finding meaning in everything they do, and what they experience or a decision in the wake of suffering.

Logotherapy exercises

These are exercises you can use to find meaning in life. They include:

  • Through the creation of work or completion of a specific task
  • Through experiencing something completely or fully loving somebody
  • Through the attitude one gains in the wake of unchangeable suffering

Viktor Frankl admitted that suffering is always a part of life. It is therefore up to a human being to decide on how to react to every circumstance, whether good or bad.

Logotherapy examples

It is evident that human beings are able to find meaning in life in various ways. For instance, through finding exceptional roles which only them can fully. By doing so one gets to know his/her purpose in life.

Acknowledging their purpose will grant them happiness and peace of mind. This approach can help in eradicating cases of depression and stress that are consuming a substantial number of people around the world.

Logotherapy techniques

Mainly there is a total of three logotherapy techniques which are:

  • Dereflection. This technique is ideal for a person deeply engrossed in achieving a certain goal or dealing with a particular issue. Through dereflection of attention from self, a person will immediately start thinking of others instead of his/her own self.
  • Paradoxical Intention. With this method entails inquiring on the things we are most afraid of. They can then ridicule that thing they fear most hence get rid of the anxiety that comes with it.
  • Socratic dialogue. This method involves using other people’s words in finding oneself. This is an approach that is used by therapists. They will keenly listen to their client, point out certain words and provide a viable solution to their problem. It has in most instances worked out perfectly without any problem.

The above three techniques are essential in discovering your purpose in life according to logotherapy.

Logotherapy criticism

Logotherapy has faced a number of criticisms. One evident form of criticism was put forth by Rollo Moy. He states that Logotherapy advocates for the availability of reliable solutions to every problem.

Rollo Moy further states that Frankl cannot force someone to find their purpose and suggest it is something that some people might not be able to do. Viktor Frankl declined these allegations by confirming the role of Logotherapy is to educate people on their own obligation.

Conclusion

Logotherapy confirms that human beings are dedicated to finding meaning in life. They will use all possible measures as explained in logotherapy techniques to find their life purpose. This approach isn’t 100% bulletproof. It will be up to you to read more about logotherapy and see if it is something that could work for you.

Action Item: Go read Man’s Search For Meaning