Existential Conceptualization in Logotherapy and Existential Analysis
FACULTY: Maria Marshall, PhD (profile) and Edward Marshall, MD, PhD (profile)
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course focuses on suffering as an existential given. It differentiates avoidable from unavoidable suffering and discusses Frankl’s “Tragic Triad of Suffering” including pain, guilt, and death. It presents Frankl’s Value Triad of “creative, experiential and attitudinal values” through which meaning can be actualized in suffering. The concept of “Tragic Optimism” is introduced with its implications to grow, change, and make the best of one’s situation, live according to the highest principles, and transform suffering into a human accomplishment. The therapist’s role as a compassionate companion on the road of life’s journey is highlighted with Frankl’s Creed: (1) behind the mask of a disease, the human person is still present; (2) a person can be disturbed but not destroyed. Elucidating individual meaning potentials and broadening the value base are helpful directives for helping others find meaning in suffering. Elisabeth Lukas’ book, “Meaning in Suffering: Comfort in Crisis through Logotherapy” provides useful illustrations.
It focuses on the notion of the process of existential analysis (EA) as part of the logotherapeutic conceptualization that can lead to tailored and specific interventions. In EA, the tragic optimism is a guide to exploring possibilities (1) to pinpoint areas where there is still freedom; (2) pointing to value; (3) highlighting where there is meaning; (3) showing what is left and what remains, and (4) showing perspectives. In the process of EA, conscious and unconscious resources are brought to the fore. Inner wisdom and values are searched to be examined in the context of ultimate meaning and universal values. The self-discovery, the discovery of choices, uniqueness, responsibility and response-ability, the capacities for self-distancing and self-transcendence are helpful guideposts in EA. Frankl’s book, “Man’s Search for Ultimate Meaning” provides further concepts and examples.