Logotherapy (Viktor Frankl)
An existential psychotherapy founded by Viktor Frankl, centered on the search for meaning as the primary force of human motivation, born from his concentration camp experience.
An existential psychotherapy founded by Viktor Frankl, centered on the search for meaning as the primary force of human motivation, born from his concentration camp experience.
Presentation
Logotherapy (from Greek logos, 'meaning') is the third Viennese school of psychotherapy, after Freudian psychoanalysis and Adler's individual psychology. Developed by Viktor E. Frankl (1905–1997), Austrian neurologist, psychiatrist and Auschwitz survivor, it is founded on the conviction that the search for meaning is the fundamental driver of human existence.
Founder: Viktor Emil Frankl (1905–1997), neurologist and psychiatrist, Vienna, Austria
Core Principles
Will to meaning: humanity's primary motivation is discovering and realizing life meaning.
Freedom of will: even in extreme situations, humans retain freedom to choose their attitude.
Meaning of life: meaning is discovered, not invented. Three paths: creative values, experiential values and attitudinal values.
Self-transcendence: meaning is always found beyond oneself.
Main Indications
- Existential vacuum and loss of meaning
- Noogenic depression (meaning-related)
- Grief and loss
- Serious illness and unavoidable suffering
- Addictions (existential component)
- Midlife crisis
- Burnout
Session Overview
Logotherapy can be brief or span several months. 50-minute face-to-face sessions use Socratic dialogue. Key techniques: dereflection (shifting attention from self to external engagement) and paradoxical intention (asking the patient to wish for or exaggerate the dreaded symptom).
Variations
- Classical logotherapy (Frankl)
- Paradoxical intention
- Dereflection
- Existential analysis (Längle)
- Group logotherapy
Contraindications
- Severe endogenous depression (medication first)
- Active psychosis
- Severe cognitive impairment
Medical Disclaimer
The information presented in this article is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment prescription. If in doubt, always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional. The techniques described do not replace conventional medical treatment.