Existential Paradox

The Existential Paradox; Finding meaning and purpose in a meaningless existence

Toby Doyle
Seattle University

Existential Paradox

Abstract. This paper attempts to explore existential theory and navigate the reader to a better
understanding and comprehension of its concepts. It will provide explanations for health and
dysfunction in relation to existentialist belief and will also discuss concepts dealing with anxiety,
isolation, meaningless, freedom, responsibility, and self-awareness. Existential theory and
existentialist in particular believe in a philosophy towards creating an authentic life through
confronting the challenges in ones life and throughout human existence. It is believed through
this theory that meaning and purpose is the essential element to human existence and that in
order to sustain a healthy functional existence, one must find purpose and meaning within their
subjective and phenomenological worlds. Existential theory is built on self-awareness through
therapeutic goals and counselor-client relationships that emphasize the importance of freedom of
choice and the responsibility that comes with the freedom to choose along with living an
authentic life. It recognizes that meaning and purpose is not arbitrary but differing and evolving
for each individual and believes that finding purpose and meaning in ones own life is the
essential force that drives our human existence. Existential theory is based on universal issues
which makes it conducive to multicultural perspectives and allows concepts to be applied to a
multitude of cultures, making its concepts applicable and relevant throughout the world.
Existential theory acknowledges life and eventual death, the many paradoxes of our being, and
the reality that the meaning of life is clarified when individuals contemplate and understand
existence, and find meaning in what they are, instead of what they are not.

Existential Paradox

Introduction
In a world where so many things are out of ones control; with obstacles, challenges, and
suffering being inevitable, the only thing human beings can control is their attitudes and how
they choose to react to the events in their lives. They are in charge of their attitudes and every
individual has a personal responsibility to decide how they feel about the things that happen in
their lives based on their cognitions towards that particular event. Existential theory is rooted in
these beliefs and its fundamental concept is that the freedom to choose comes with personal
responsibility and accountability. Finding a purpose to ones existence falls on the shoulders of
the individual (Cohen, 2003) Along with this freedom of choice comes the responsibility to find
value, meaning and purpose in ones life (Seligman, & Reichenberg, 2010). Existential therapy
seeks to define universal issues such as love, death, suffering, isolation, and meaning, and in
doing so enables people to face and accept the anxieties and uncertainties of life, while seeking a
more purposeful existence (Seligman, 2010).
Existential theory is profound, less structured, and rooted more in philosophy than most
other counseling theories. It is a humanistic approach that recognizes the importance of
transcendence and looks to grapple with the bigger more abstract questions regarding existence.
It is believed through this theory that individuals are living in denial of death if they are not
sometimes thinking about it. Existential therapist believe that confronting the fear of death
allows people to live life in a more compassionate and meaningful way (Seligman, 2010).
Existential theory emphasizes the importance of people being able to decide what to do with the
time they are given, by doing the best with what they have, and by constantly looking to evolve
and grow towards actualization while searching for answers to in depth questions such as who
am I, why am I here, and what is my purpose. While contemplating these complicated questions,

Existential Paradox

existentialist believe that people become more authentic, using their potential to experience a
deep, sometimes spiritual connection with other people and their world through these inquiries
and explorations (Seligman, 2010).
I agree with a lot of the concepts and beliefs that this theory provides, and believe that
people do begin to have difficulty and become dysfunctional when they are unable to attach
meaning and purpose to their lives. People are given choices in life, and what they do with those
choices determines their outcome and ultimately their happiness and stability. Existential theory
believes that whatever difficulties people encounter in their lives, they always have choices
(Seligman, 2010, p 176). It is what they do with that freedom of choice that makes all the
difference in their lives and gives meaning to their existence; creating a healthy mind, spirit, and
soul. This is why I chose existential theory. I believe as existentialists believe that we are all
bound to suffer. We cannot avoid it, but we can choose how to cope with it and move forward.
It is inspiring and frightening, but at its core, it is authentic and pure leaving every individual
with the feeling of empowerment and control in regards to their existence and fate.
Health and Dysfunction
Existential theory recognizes that individuals experience psychological dysfunction in
multiple ways due to a multitude of factors and variables. Most existentialist agree that ones
dysfunction stems from issues having to do with anxiety, isolation, fear, and meaningless
throughout life. Dysfunction is thought to be related to these existential concerns and the
inability for people to successfully navigate themselves through these complex concepts and
complicated challenges in their lives. These concepts are not exclusively the predictors of
mental health issues and dysfunction; however, existential theory places a strong emphasis on

Existential Paradox

these particular variables in regards to a persons etiology and it is believed that in most cases an
individuals pathology can be explained through struggles with one or more of these concepts.
Existential theory proposes that emotional difficulties stem from failure to deal
successfully with the inevitable challenges of life, along with the struggles between the desire for
achievement and purpose, the freedom of choice, and the responsibilities that is required for the
same (Seligman, 2010). Victor Frankl, one of the founders and advocates for existential therapy
coined the term existential vacuum, which referred to the experience of meaninglessness in
ones life, often characterized by feelings of frustration, depression, and boredom (Cohen, 2003).
He believed that this often was the predicating force that led to dysfunction and believed that
people that did not experience authenticity within their life choices often fell into this existential
vacuum.
Because of its philosophical nature, existentialism deals with questions of life and the
basic conditions of being a human being, and the fundamental view amongst existentialist is that
consciousness and the world cannot be separated, and our existence makes us who we are in
relationship to our world as well as to others (Carleson, 2003). Existentialists believe that
dysfunction, anguish, and violence can come from feelings of alienation, loneliness, and isolation
(Carleson, 2003). Isolation and loneliness can be a cause for dysfunction, however, dysfunction
can also stem from individuals trying to fit in and be a part of something that is not genuine,
resulting in the eventual fate of living inauthentic lives. Fear and anxiety also contribute to
dysfunction according to existentialist because fear is often instigated through premonitions of
lifes suffering, and anxiety often occurs when there is apprehension regarding ones eventual
death, which are both inevitable truths.

Existential Paradox

The belief that every individual is an expert onto themselves; in regards to their lives,
their fears and needs, and their choices and freedoms, is empowering, but can often be an
etiological precursor to dysfunction. As Frankl stated in his world renowned book Mans
Search for Meaning, .we cannot avoid suffering but we can choose how to cope with it, and
move forward (Frankl, 2006). The people that are able to pursue life and its challenges and
inevitable struggles with the right attitude and find meaning and purpose in each instance, are the
people that are able to grow and evolve and live healthy functional lives, moving closer towards
self-actualization.
Attitude towards life is very important to existentialist and how you perceive events and
how you move forward throughout your life are essential to your success and health according to
this theory. Balance and harmony with your inner-self along with your social environment and
spiritual world are all important aspects influencing ones health. Existentialists believe that
people are the architects of their own lives and that optimism and awareness are important
elements towards creating possibilities to successfully navigate their lives, and be healthy
functioning human beings (Seligman, 2010).
Multicultural considerations. In regards to health and dysfunction, existential theory is
based more on philosophy and history and it is fairly adaptable to all cultures in the sense that it
deals with universal questions that hold no traditional beliefs or standardized norms.
Existentialism is applicable and relevant to a multitude of cultures because it places a great
emphasis on the individual to seek out and discover their own original life path that is authentic
and meaningful to them, creating a healthy and functional existence. This is where a healthy
individual finds happiness and purpose. Existential theory believes that there is no meaning to
life, that meaning is discovered through personal experiences and perceptions of the world at

Existential Paradox

large, the challenges that arise, and the way in which each individual responds and reacts to the
events within their personal journey. The individual provides meaning to their life rather than
life providing meaning to the individual. This philosophy is relevant to every human being
throughout the world and does not limit individuals as other theories do because of its ignorance
or unwillingness to accept that our human strength lies in our independence of thought and our
willingness to discuss and evaluate various and conflicting views (Meerlo,1956),
We live in a world that is beautifully rich in diversity, and existential theory provides a
platform and a paradigm for multicultural awareness because it understands the importance of
the individual and the complexities of each persons existence, and allows people to navigate and
understand their world through their own philosophical views and beliefs that are subjective
throughout various cultures and perspectives. This theory is able to accept the abundance of
differences we experience throughout our world in regards to such things as spirituality, social
context, family structure, and social injustice, allowing the potential for empathy and
understanding for multiple cultures and ethnicities to be a fundamental foundation for existential
theory.
Life and death are universal concepts that every person can relate to on some scale of the
spectrum. The concepts that are pondered and touched upon through existential theory challenge
individuals to reflect on the meaning of their existence, and this is ubiquitous and understandable
for all human beings, and is vitally important concepts to contemplate for anyone who is
searching for answers and enlightenment throughout their lives, regardless of ethnicity or culture.
Understanding and accepting or lacking the same to these universal truths is often the difference
between ones health and dysfunction according to this theory.

Existential Paradox

Process of change
The process of change in existential theory is the ability to transcend meaninglessness
into purpose and to be resilient in the unavoidable confrontations that one experiences
throughout their journey through life. Existential anxiety and authenticity are driving forces for
change. Existential anxiety is the response to the understanding that individuals have the
responsibility to create a worthwhile existence in the limited time available, that death is
inevitable, and that there is no external standard which can define worthwhile existence for all
(Bauman, 1998). This anxiety is seen as a positive in existential theory and is viewed as an
initiation of change for an individual and an acceptance and awareness of the responsibility they
have to their own personal story, journey, and conclusion (Bauman, 1998). Frankl described
anxiety as the gap between what one is and what one hopes to be, expressing that anxiety is not
to be defined as a symptom of pathology, but rather a driving force for change and growth
(Seligman, 2010). Existential theory places the emphasis for change directly on the client and
clarifies that the process of change is dependent on the clients willingness and acceptance of this
freedom and responsibility.
Process of change is also experienced when the individual realizes their full potential, and
is able to understand their experiences as real and genuine and act upon these realizations to
become healthier and more functional human beings. Being authentic towards ones experiences
in life and realizing the importance of the same is essential to the desire for one to change. This
desire to change creates awareness and elicits actions that embrace individuals and their
cognitions towards accepting responsibility, while providing them with a newfound readiness
and willingness to change (Fernando, 2007). Existentialist view self-actualization to be a goal
that people can choose to strive for; however, it is also viewed as the responsibility of the

Existential Paradox

individual to create their own path and experiences through the process of change and the
acceptance of individual capabilities and potential. Individuals that choose to ignore this
responsibility tend to dwell in inauthentic existences (Johnson, 1967).
The process of change in a large part is the acceptance of responsibility that having
choices allows you, while taking action to ensure that these freedoms ignite growth and
fulfillment, thus creating a worthwhile and authentic existence. To live authentically means to
live truthfully and in accordance to ones deepest convictions and beliefs (Jacobson, 2007). The
process of change within existential theory relies heavily on the driving forces of living an
authentic life and facing existential anxieties and universal truths and accepting them throughout
life as part of the journey.
Goals
The goal of existential therapy is to help people that are unhealthy psychologically
become healthier by helping them to find value, meaning, and purpose in their lives (Seligman,
2010). Often times, dysfunction stems from fear that individuals experience throughout society
and apprehensions towards the future. Existentialist therapy provides a philosophy that puts the
individual in charge of these fears and anxieties, helping them overcome their difficulties and
providing them with the capacities to evolve and grow as individuals accepting universal truths
and realizing that their time is limited in this life. According to Rollo May, whose writings and
advocacy helped bring the philosophy of existentialism into the United States, the individuals
capacity and will to love and to live give meaning towards their lives (Seligman, 2010). The
purpose or goal of psychotherapy within existential theory is not to cure clients in the

Existential Paradox

10

conventional sense, but to create awareness and help people confront their deepest fears and
anxieties about the inevitable challenges of life (Seligman, 2010).
The goal is simply to make clients aware of their concerns and fears that our influencing
their behaviors and creating dysfunction (Bartz, 2009). Once this awareness is established, and
clients are conscious of their avoidant responses, and realize their fears and anxieties are
interfering with their lives, they are usually willing to experiment with new and healthier ways to
confront and combat their existential fears (Bartz, 2009). This is the goal of existential therapy
and it is important to understand that it is not existential therapist that are responsible for giving
meaning to peoples lives, rather it is the goal of the therapist to enable the individual to find
meaning for themselves in their own life, helping to facilitate their understanding that there is
meaning to be found in every life situation, even in the most insufferable moments (Frankl,
1967).
Therapeutic Alliance
The role of the therapist in existential therapy is to assist the patient to embark on a
course of self-investigation and exploration in which their goals involve identifying maladaptive
defense mechanisms, while providing awareness and assisting to correct these cognitive
deficiencies that are causing dysfunction in an attempt to help the individual to develop other
ways of coping with their fears and anxieties (Bartz, 2009). In doing this, it is essential that a
strong therapeutic relationship is built that is based on such character traits as trust, openness,
authenticity, and self-disclosure. Existential therapist advocate freedom and promote efforts by
the client to make meaningful choices while expressing their own values, beliefs, and
interpretations in order to build a powerful and deep rooted alliance with their clients. As one

Existential Paradox

11

existential therapist stated, the therapeutic alliance is the powerful joining of forces which
energizes and supports the long, difficult, and frequently painful work of life-changing
psychotherapy (Seligman, 2010).
Counselor and Client Roles
Transparency in counseling is important and nothing in therapy should be covert.
Existential theory believes that therapist is companions and co-explorers with their clients
(Seligman, 2010). The counselor client relationship is very interactive and personal. This theory
is extremely demanding of the counselor and requires that the counselor invest a lot of
themselves in the therapy of their client and demands that the client and counselor establish a
deep and authentic relationship that is rooted in trust and self-disclosure from both sides of the
therapeutic experience. Existential counselors need to be engaged and express their own values
and beliefs while making suggestions and interpretations, but at the same time keeping balance
that allows the clients freedom to determine how they will use the counselor inputs (Seligman,
2010). This makes for an effective client-counselor relationship that provides support,
encouragement, and concern that is genuine and empathetic. The client counselor relationship is
at its strongest when the counselor is able to use their authentic self to meet the authentic self of
the client, meaning the counselor must understand that it is not what they must do, but what they
must be in the relationship (Fernando, 2007). This creates a relationship that is conscientious,
helping to instill trust and respect in acknowledgement of the strong commitment and
consideration the counselor has for their client.
The role of the counselor in existential theory is also to recognize that every individual
has different understandings and interpretations of the existential concepts in their lives and that

Existential Paradox

12

these are subjective unto each individual depending on the meanings that they ascribe to through
the aspects of their life (Milton, 1993). This is an important component in the relationship,
emphasizing that the counselor needs to accept the person as an individual and have regard for
their personal integrity, rather than seeing the client as material for manipulation (Milton, 1993).
This dual respect between counselor and client is particularly important in creating growth, and
once a strong relationship is built between client and counselor, the relationship is able to inspire
freedom, openness, honesty, disclosure, and eventually trust and love, which are all exceedingly
important to the health and success of the client (Bauman, 1998).
Techniques and Approaches
Existential therapy is philosophical and not heavily driven by a multitude of techniques
and interventions. An essential component to existential therapy is compassion and empathy for
human beings, and without these two things, the therapeutic experience cannot be successful
regardless of the techniques or therapeutic interventions that are introduced to the client.
Existential counseling is a philosophical discussion about universal concerns and existential
givens, using the harsh realities of life to drive the search for the extraordinary aspects of love
and meaning within ones life (Fernando, 2007). There are no set techniques or agendas that
make existential factors easily compartmentalized or explained. Working with clients through an
existential perspective, the process can be slow, grueling, and arduous (Carlson, 2003).
Victor Frankl, one of the founding fathers of existentialism recognized that existential
frustrations and existential concerns often led to individuals neuroses and dysfunction. He
came up with a meaning-centered psychotherapy he coined Logotherapy (Frankl, 2006).
Logotherapy was a way for patients to be confronted and reoriented with the meaning of his or

Existential Paradox

13

her life, focusing on the meaning of existence and the search for such a meaning (Frankl, 2006).
Within this psychotherapeutic approach under the philosophical guidelines of existentialist
theory and belief, Frankl developed a technique called paradoxical intention (Frankl, 1975). This
technique began to evolve from encounters that Frankl experienced with his clients; generally
clients suffering from obsessive compulsive desires, or clients that had phobic patterns or
specific phobias. When trying to understand his clients symptoms, from what he believed to be
caused by anticipatory anxiety, he realized that the intervention necessary to overcome their
dysfunctions were the ability for the client to extinguish their particular anxiety or fear. In other
words, paradoxical intention was the process whereby the patients were to try to take the wind
out of their individual fears by being encouraged to do, or wish to happen, the very things that
they feared the most (Frankl, 1975). This technique was and is essentially used for individuals
suffering from OCD and/or phobias. It is a technique that tries to enable the individual to stop
fleeing from their fears or to stop fighting their obsessions and compulsions, by having them
confront those obsessions or fears. In this technique, the pathogenic fear becomes replaced by a
paradoxical wish (Frankl, 1975). For example, if someone is extremely tense, instead of
suggesting that they relax, you suggest to them that they become as tense as they possibly can
(Frankl, 1975). This would be an example of paradoxical intention and is a technique that has
been proven to be successful and beneficial in therapy and treatment not only in existential
therapy, but other counseling theories as well throughout the years.
Because existential theory lacks a variety of techniques within its therapy, existentialists
often integrate techniques from other counseling theories that are compatible with existential
philosophies and can be easily adapted to the same. Solution-focused brief therapy is a nonpathological approach to therapy that focuses on solutions instead of problems, strengths rather

Existential Paradox

14

than weaknesses, and coping abilities that are helpful to clients future goals (Fernando, 2007).
Existentialist and SFBT both believe that there is hope only in action, and that learning to take
responsibility for ones own life is an essential part of personal growth and growing up
(Fernando, 2007). Techniques such as solution talk and asking questions such as what do you
want to change, rather than how can I help you, along with the concept of the miracle
question which is a way to initiate a dialogue with the client that is based upon your client
reflecting on questions such as if you could magically wake up tomorrow with everything in its
right place so to speak, what would that look like? These techniques are very conducive to
existential theory and help the counselor to establish potential problems and possible solutions to
help their clients in treatment. They evoke openness and responsiveness, both being essential
elements to understanding a clients health and dysfunction while also being able to better
understand the proper guidance to give the client in order to encourage them to start doing things
different and embracing change.
Although this theory does not have a multitude of techniques to pull from, it has other
theories that have similar philosophies, such as SFBT and reality therapy in which interventions
can be utilized by existential counselors, allowing existentialist to integrate certain techniques
when necessary to help establish a foundation and a roadmap for clients that can help them to be
successful in their treatment process. Techniques are important in some aspects of therapy,
however, existentialist believe that therapy is about the counselor and the clients dedication to
each other and the here and now; that it is in the real relationship that is developed between the
client and counselor that is the foundation for existential theory, not techniques. Irvin Yalom, a
prominent existentialist who contributed a lot to the understanding of existential theory stated
when asked about the vitally important connection between counselor and client, The

Existential Paradox

15

relationship analyzed properly will facilitate other relationships-the therapist helps to heal by
developing a genuine relationship with the patient (Fernando, 2007). In existential theory, the
main technique is the relationship that is developed between client and counselor. Everything
else is a distant second. This theory strongly believes, and rightly so, that without a strong
authentic relationship, there is no chance for success within the confines of existential therapy.
Multicultural considerations
Strengths.

Existential theory is multicultural by nature because it deals with universal issues

that all ethnicities and cultures experience and grapple with. This is a humanistic approach that
emphasizes the inevitable suffering that we are all bound to experience, and this philosophy is
probably the most conducive and useful approach to helping people of all different ethnicities
and cultures because it deals with pervasive concepts such as love, anxiety, suffering, and death.
These are all understandable and inevitable obstacles throughout all cultures, regardless of where
one lives, ethnicity, or cultural traditions and norms they submit to within their community.
Existential theory looks at individuals as all sharing a common thread to existence in that we all
live and we all die. We all search for meaning in our subjective phenomenological worlds and
we all face struggles and challenges. Because existential theory is based on ones subjectivity,
the paradigm for this theory is founded on accepting the clients world views, beliefs, and
experiences, along with their ability to participate in dialogue that is authentic and honest
throughout the therapeutic process. These are all concepts which are fairly adaptable to multiple
cultures throughout the world.
Limitations. Self-disclosure could be a difficult task for certain individuals in particular cultures
to partake in. Some cultures want the counselor to be more of the authoritative figure in the

Existential Paradox

16

counseling equation making the concepts within this theory and its approach to be ineffective for
some cultures, or some individuals within certain cultures. Also, studies done on existential
therapy have been insufficient in regards to its effectiveness throughout various cultures, due to
lack of research and insignificant results (Seligman, 2010).
Existential theory is not necessarily conducive to groups of people that have experienced
oppression and/or social constraints. People suffering from poverty, young children, and
sufferers of mental illness also have a hard time finding relevancy with existential therapy in
regards to their life situations or challenges. The abstract concepts within this theory make it a
difficult task for people who are just struggling to survive, and lack the necessary resources and
health to do so. Although, with that being said, one of the main advocates for existential theory,
Victor Frankl, who has been discussed previously, survived concentration camps during World
War II, due in large part to the concepts of existential theory, which helped him to accept his
experience and have a positive attitude towards finding meaning and purpose even in the most
dire moments of his life. That being said, Frankl was educated and extremely intelligent and is
not necessarily representative of most individuals who are in difficult situations either socially or
psychologically. Because of these complex ideals within this theory, many people who are in
these situations or struggle in other ways, have a hard time grasping the significance of it all, and
it becomes an ineffective source for recovering health and function amongst these individuals or
groups of people.
Social Justice
Strengths. Existential theory is focused on the individual and their views and beliefs on the
world around them. It emphasizes the importance of awareness by individuals and recognizes

Existential Paradox

17

that people have the capacity to have awareness within themselves as well as awareness for
others around them. This understanding and belief gives the power and control to the individual,
while also realizing that social connectedness and affiliation with others is vitally important.
Rollo May, an existentialist that contributed notably to existentialism, believed that along with
the anxieties that people experience as they struggle with their own difficulties of intrinsic
change and growth, there is still an external element of importance in understanding the impact
that relationships within society have on individuals, helping to provide people with a social
responsibility and awareness towards the same (Seligman, 2010).
Existential theory does not ascend to one religion or support certain social interest or
agendas. It sees strength and value in the human condition and allows for people with vast
differences and morals, beliefs and values, to be accepted equally. This theory values equality of
all individuals and values human rights and the opportunity for each and every one to find value
and meaning in their life through an array of avenues, commonalities, and differences.
Limitations. Social justice is creating equality and solidarity throughout societies and
communities by valuing individuals rights and respecting people for their differences.
Existential theory definitely advocates social justice within its core foundation and concepts,
however, it does fall short in areas of communities where children are concerned or where there
is mental illness, or severe poverty. Existential therapy is complicated in the sense that it
requires a lot out of the client, and in many cases people who are mentally ill, suffering from
severe poverty, or too young to grasp these existential concepts, are not going to benefit from
existential theory or therapy. This is definitely a limitation because in a sense, this theory lacks
the structure and elements to help some of the people that need the help the most. Social justice
is having compassion for people throughout society, however the challenge and commitment that

Existential Paradox

18

existential therapy requires out of the client is sometimes not favorable to certain groups of
people that cannot commit to these heavy concepts.
Considerations
Whether or not existential theory is your theory of choice, it is important to the
psychological world, and forces individuals to contemplate difficult truths and eventual realities
of human existence and future fates. These are important questions to consider; these are the big
questions of life. Existential theory looks to capture the spirit and feeling of life; the
uncertainties and mysteries of the human experience, rather than getting caught up in the
systematic and congruent elements of society that are structured, coherent, and easily explained
(Jacobson, 2007). Existentialist believe that everything, even madness has meaning, and their
philosophy is that the individuals ability to find healing and meaning, while understanding the
self and their existence, are of central importance (Milton, 1993).
Existentialists believe that most people are able to find meaning in their daily activities
and in doing so are able to craft a meaningful and rewarding life (Seligman, 2010). They also
believe that many human problems stem from fear. Within our society there is a common thread
that is going on. We are being manipulated and controlled by fear. Existential therapy provides
a philosophy that puts individuals in charge of their fears and creates a pattern of thought that is
conducive towards accepting and understanding the fears, while not being debilitated by them.
This is crucial in the world we are living in today, where so many things are out of our control,
and the only thing we can do as humans is understand that most of lives obstacles and challenges
are all about our perceptions and how we choose to react to them. This is a powerful message
that existential theory provides, and it helps to alleviate fear and promote optimism amongst

Existential Paradox

19

people living in a world so chaotic and disgruntled. For the world is in a bad state, but
everything will become still worse unless each of us does his best (Frankl, 2006, p 154).
Reflections
Through my experience in writing this paper, I have found that Existential theory is
empowering, it is inspiring, and regardless of its effectiveness, it is crucial for people to consider.
Without purpose, people began to get lost in the monotony of the world and become stagnant and
uninspired. Existentialist believe that existence is never static; people are always becoming
something new, striving to move toward possibilities, and making lives worthwhile (Seligman,
2010, p 175).People are given choices in life, and what you do with that freedom of choice has
a lasting impact on outcomes and happiness in ones life.
In the process of writing this paper, this theory has encouraged me to reflect on my life
thus far, and I have come to the conclusion that throughout my life, I have always been seeking
meaning through questions. What is the meaning of life? Why am I here? These questions I
have contemplated throughout my life. Before writing this paper, I was looking at all these
questions in the wrong perspective, searching dumbfounded and asking people just as confused
as I was. I was waiting for a sign, some kind of universal epiphany to come along that would
satisfy my curiosity and explain to me what the meaning of life was. But as I have realized
through experience and through exploring existential theory more thoroughly, we make our own
meanings in life, and the answers to these questions are realized through the individual eye and
the pursuit of what is meaningful internally. What is considered a worthwhile existence and a
meaningful life is negotiated by the individual and their subjective perceptions of life. Every
individual creates their own meaning and purpose for themselves, becoming the creators and

Existential Paradox

20

architects for how they want to live and what they want to do with their lives. Existential theory
establishes a paradigm that is consistently conducive to each individual within their own
subjective world; simply put, you can only control the things that you can control the rest is
just dust in the wind.

Existential Paradox

21

References
Bartz, J. D. (2009). Theistic existential psychotherapy. Psychology Of Religion And Spirituality,
1(2), 69-80. doi:10.1037/a0014895
Bauman, S., & Waldo, M. (1998). Existential theory and mental health counseling: If it were a
snake, it would have bitten!. Journal Of Mental Health Counseling, 20(1), 13-27.
Carlson, L. A. (2003). Existential Theory: Helping School Counselors Attend to Youth at Risk
for Violence. Professional School Counseling, 6(5), 310-315.
Cohen, B. N. (2003). Applying existential theory and intervention to career decision-making.
Journal of Career Development, 29(3), 195-210. doi:10.1023/A:1021470230341
Fernando, D. M. (2007). Existential theory and solution-focused strategies: Integration and
application. Journal of Mental Health Counseling, 29(3), 226-241.
Frankl, V. E. (1967). Logotherapy and existentialism. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research &
Practice, 4(3), 138-142. doi:10.1037/h0087982
Frankl, V. E. (1975). Paradoxical intention and dereflection. Psychotherapy: Theory, Research &
Practice, 12(3), 226-237. doi:10.1037/h0086434
Frankl, V.E. (2006). Mans Search for Meaning. Beacon Press, Boston, Massachusetts 0210802892
Jacobsen, B. (2007). Authenticity and our basic existential dilemmas: Foundational concepts of
existential psychology and therapy. Existential Analysis, 18(2), 288-296.
Johnson, E. L. (1967). EXISTENTIALISM, SELF THEORY AND THE EXISTENTIAL SELF.
Personnel & Guidance Journal, 46(1), 53-58. doi:10.1002/j.2164-4918.1967.tb03132.x
Meerlo, Joost A.M. (1956). The Rape of the Mind: The Psychology of thought control,
Mentacide, and Brainwashing. Cleveland and New York: The World Publishing Company
Milton, M. J. (1993). Existential thought and client centred therapy. Counselling Psychology
Quarterly, 6(3), 239-248. doi:10.1080/09515079308254118
Seligman, & Reichenberg, S. (2010). Theories of counseling and Psychotherapy: Systems,
Strategies, and Skills. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pearson Education Inc.
Thorne, F. C. (1963). An existential theory of anxiety. Journal Of Clinical Psychology, 19(1), 3543. doi:10.1002/1097-4679(196301)19:1<35::AID-JCLP2270190102>3.0.CO;2-1

Existential Paradox

22