Analysis Of Logotherapy

Logotherapy is a term derived from “logos,” a Greek word that translates as “meaning,” and therapy, which is defined as treatment of a condition, illness, or maladjustment. Logotherapy was developed by neurologist and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl. He, in his book man, search for meaning has outlined as for how his theory helped him to get through the time at Nazis concentration camps and how his this experience later developed and reinforced and strengthened his theories.
This therapy not only helps people to discover the purpose of their existence but also helps the individual to find “why” to his existence. In a part of the book, he talked about various aspects of life that many people fail to see the purpose or meaning of their existence and …show more content…
He believed that the roots of various self-destructive patterns and behaviors of the people lie in their existential frustration. They fail to see the real meaning in their lives. It focuses on the future and on the meanings to be fulfilled by the patient in his future.
There are three techniques used in Logotherapy: - Dereflection, Paradoxical intention and Socratic dialogue.
• Dereflection is used in a situation when a person is excessively self-centered on an issue or achievement of an aim. By redirecting or channelizing the attention, or taking the attention away from the self, the individual can develop whole by thinking about other people rather than thinking about self.
• Paradoxical intention refers to a situation which involves asking or requesting or even questioning for the thing that the person fears the most. For many individuals, who experience anxiety or phobias, fear can paralyze or freeze them. But by the way of using humor, laughter, and mockery, they can wish or desire for the particular thing they dread the most. Hence, this will help them to eliminate their distress from their intention as well as relieve the anxious symptoms associated with …show more content…
During his days in concentration camps, he saw people who attempted to find meaning in the structure and hectic pace of their work lives and when that structure and pace were gone. There was a sense of meaninglessness set in them. Individuals who suffer from this type of depression start to hate weekends, vacations, and any other sort of impromptu or unscheduled free time. This is also referred as existential vacuum or void.
Frankl believed that the existential void experienced by people is rooted from a lack of both behavioral instinct and a lack of traditions or external behavioral powers, such as religion, parenting, or even social norms. Without the guidance of these forces, the individual is forced to make various basic choices and decisions for himself or herself and which leave him confused and helpless about how to make those