Logotherapy, also known as the “Third Viennese School of Psychotherapy”, is a form of psychotherapy developed by the Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl. The term “logotherapy” is derived from the Greek word logos, meaning “meaning”. The goal of logotherapy is to provide individuals with a sense of meaning and purpose in their lives, which in turn can alleviate symptoms of emotional distress and mental illness (Lukas, 2011).
Logotherapy is based on the idea that humans have a unique capacity to find meaning in life based on individual values and experiences. This is in contrast to the two other major schools of psychotherapy, psychoanalytic and behaviorist, which focus on understanding the unconscious and changing behavior through reinforcement, respectively (Lukas, 2011). Logotherapy focuses on helping individuals discover a purpose in life, and encourages individuals to use their unique strengths and abilities to achieve that purpose.
One of the primary techniques used in logotherapy is the “will to meaning”, which encourages individuals to shift their focus from the pursuit of pleasure or material gain to the search for meaning. This technique is based on the idea that individuals can find meaning in their lives by taking responsibility for their own actions and by understanding the consequences of their decisions (Lukas, 2011). Additionally, logotherapy encourages individuals to view their suffering as a potential source of growth and to use it as a means of self-transformation.
Logotherapy can be used to treat a variety of psychological issues, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It has also been found to be effective in helping individuals cope with physical illness and the loss of a loved one (Lukas, 2011). Additionally, research has shown that logotherapy can improve quality of life and reduce symptoms of psychological distress (Rüst, Kübler, & Sennhauser, 2013).
Overall, logotherapy is an effective form of psychotherapy that can help individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives. It is based on the idea that individuals have the capacity to find meaning, and encourages them to take responsibility for their own actions and use their personal strengths and abilities to achieve meaningful goals. Research has found that logotherapy can be used to treat a variety of psychological issues, as well as improve quality of life and reduce symptoms of psychological distress.
References
Lukas, E. (2011). Logotherapy: A brief overview. International Forum of Logotherapy, 34(1), 1-7.
Rüst, C. A., Kübler, A., & Sennhauser, F. (2013). Effects of logotherapy on life satisfaction and psychological distress in Switzerland. Journal of Humanistic Psychology, 53(4), 463-481.