Frequently Asked Questions
What is Existential Therapy?
Existential therapy is a style of talk therapy that uses a philosophical approach to help individuals explore what it means to be human—to act, feel, and think as they do. It is a style of therapy that developed from existential philosophy and does not rely solely on a medical or psychological model for understanding mental illness and mental health.
Existential therapy works by helping people to not only cope with their issues but by helping them to explore new ways of facing their problems so that they can overcome them.
The goal of existential therapy is not just symptom relief, but to help people take responsibility for their lives so that they can become more authentic and experience more personal freedom.
Do I have to be diagnosed with a mental illness in order to seek therapy?
No, you do not have to be mentally ill in order to seek therapy, but if you plan to use health insurance benefits to pay for your therapy, a mental health diagnosis must be given.
The most important requirement for existential therapy is a willingness to engage in thoughtful self-reflection about what it means to live and how to live well. Consequently, people who are seeking easy answers and either immediate or complete relief from any and all unpleasant feelings would not do well working with an existential therapist. This type of therapy encourages people to accept and move towards their feelings of anxiety which can be too uncomfortable for some.
What issues do you treat with therapy?
Existential therapy can help with a variety of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance abuse, relationship conflicts, and several other mental health issues.
Will I be cured if I go to therapy?
The goal of existential therapy is not to cure individuals. Many of the issues that contribute to mental illness are inevitable parts of living. Through reflection, existential therapy helps people to become more skillful in the art of living which leads to periods of relief from mental and emotional distress as well as significant improvements in one’s self-image, relationships, and range of healthy behaviors.
How long does therapy last?
The length of time you are in therapy depends on several factors such as the severity of your problems, level of commitment to therapy, financial resources, and determinations from insurance companies (if you elect to use insurance benefits). A person may decide to engage in therapy for a little as once or engage in the process for several years, depending on their needs.
When do I know that I’m done with therapy?
The decision to complete therapy is ultimately up to the individual, but the therapist collaborates with the client on this decision by reviewing the progress a client has made towards the goals they initially set at the beginning of the therapeutic relationship.
Do you work with children and adults?
Some therapists specialize in only working with specific age ranges. My preference is to only provide therapy to adults aged 18 or older as they are legally able to make their own decisions on whether or not to participate in therapy. If asked to work with a minor, I will not do so, but will consider family therapy as an alternative if there is serious interest in this style of therapy.
Do you prescribe medications?
No, as a licensed clinical social worker, I am not qualified to prescribe mediations. Any medication needs will have to be addressed with another provider whose license does allow them to prescribe medication. If helpful, I will collaborate with other providers to ensure the client is receiving the best possible care.