logotherapeutic

Logotherapy is a form of existential psychotherapy developed by Viktor E. Frankl in the mid-20th century. The term logotherapy derives from the Greek logos, meaning meaning, and the approach centers on meaning as the primary motivational force in human life. A logotherapeutic approach seeks to help individuals discover or create meaning, even in the face of suffering.

Core concepts include the will to meaning, freedom of choice, and responsibility. Frankl argued that psychological distress can arise when meaning is absent or blocked, a condition he described as noogenic neurosis. He also emphasized tragic optimism—the capacity to remain hopeful and find value in life despite unavoidable pain. Meaning can be pursued through creative values (what one gives to the world), experiential values (what one takes from experiences), and attitudinal values (the stance one adopts toward unavoidable suffering).

Techniques and practice centers on structured dialogue to clarify values and purposes, dereflection to reduce excessive self-focus and symptom preoccupation, and paradoxical intention to lessen anxiety by reframing or deliberately facing feared situations. Logotherapy tends to be concise and goal-oriented, and it is often used as a therapeutic approach within broader mental health or pastoral care settings. Empirical evidence for logotherapy is mixed; it is generally viewed as complementary to other treatments and valued for its emphasis on meaning, purpose, and personal responsibility in addressing psychological distress.