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Soren Kierkegaard & Existential Psychology

Who is KierkeGaard?

    Søren Aabye Kierkegaard (1813–1855) was a Danish philosopher, theologian, and cultural critic, widely regarded as the father of existentialism. Born in Copenhagen, Denmark, Kierkegaard was the youngest of seven children in a deeply religious family. He initially pursued theology at the University of Copenhagen but became increasingly critical of the established church and societal norms.

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    Kierkegaard authored numerous influential works, including “Either/Or,” “Fear and Trembling,” and “The Sickness Unto Death,” which explored themes of individual existence, faith, anxiety, and the human condition. His writings emphasized the importance of personal choice, subjective experience, and the complexities of human emotions. Although he faced limited recognition during his lifetime, Kierkegaard’s ideas profoundly impacted philosophy, theology, and psychology, laying the groundwork for existential psychology and existential therapy.

What is Existential Psychology?

    While Søren Kierkegaard was primarily a philosopher, his profound exploration of individual existence, personal responsibility, and the search for meaning significantly influenced the development of Existential Psychology. Emerging in the mid-20th century, Existential Psychology focuses on the human experience, emphasizing themes such as freedom, choice, authenticity, and the inherent challenges of existence.

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CORE PRINCIPLES

​   •    Individual Existence: Emphasizes the uniqueness of each person’s experience and the importance of personal responsibility.

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    •    Freedom and Choice: Highlights the inherent freedom individuals have to make choices that shape their lives, along with the accompanying anxieties.

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    •    Search for Meaning: Focuses on the human quest for purpose and meaning in an often chaotic and indifferent world.

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    •    Authenticity: Encourages living in accordance with one’s true self, rather than conforming to external expectations or societal norms.

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    •    Confronting Existential Anxiety: Recognizes that anxiety is a natural part of the human condition and can lead to personal growth and self-awareness.

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KEY CONCEPTS

​   1.    Authenticity: Involves being true to oneself, embracing one’s values, beliefs, and desires without succumbing to external pressures or societal expectations.​ In therapy, clients are encouraged to explore their true selves, identify discrepancies between their authentic desires and their actual behaviors, and work towards aligning their lives with their genuine identities.​ It promotes personal integrity and self-fulfillment, reducing feelings of alienation and enhancing overall psychological well-being.

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    2.    Existential Angst (Anxiety): Refers to the deep-seated anxiety that arises from the awareness of one’s freedom and the responsibility of making meaningful choices in life.​ Therapists help clients understand and navigate their anxieties by exploring the underlying fears related to freedom, death, isolation, and meaninglessness.​ By confronting and accepting existential angst, individuals can develop resilience, gain deeper self-understanding, and make more intentional life choices.

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    3.    Personal Responsibility and Choice: This concept emphasizes that individuals are responsible for their own lives and the choices they make, highlighting the power and burden of personal agency.​ This encourages clients to take ownership of their decisions, recognize their capacity to influence their own lives, and overcome passivity or victimhood.​ It Fosters empowerment and proactive behavior, enabling individuals to create meaningful changes in their lives and reduce feelings of helplessness.

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    4.    Search for Meaning: Focuses on the human drive to find purpose and significance in life, especially in the face of suffering, uncertainty, and mortality. Therapists assist clients in exploring their values, passions, and goals to cultivate a sense of purpose and direction. It enhances life satisfaction and motivation, helping individuals navigate existential crises and achieve a more fulfilling existence.

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    5.    Isolation and Connection: Examines the tension between the inherent isolation of individual existence and the human need for meaningful connections with others. Its application encourages clients to build authentic relationships while acknowledging and addressing feelings of loneliness or disconnection. The goal is to improve interpersonal relationships and emotional support networks, contributing to a stronger sense of belonging and community.

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DISTINCTION

    Existential Psychology distinguishes itself from other psychological theories by its emphasis on the human condition, personal responsibility, and the search for meaning. Unlike behaviorism, which focuses on observable behaviors, or psychoanalysis, which delves into the unconscious mind, Existential Psychology centers on conscious experience and the individual's subjective reality. It integrates philosophical inquiry with therapeutic practice, addressing the fundamental aspects of existence such as freedom, choice, and mortality.

Schools of Psychology

  • Humanism

  • Psychometrics

  • Psychoanalysis

  • Jungian 

  • Logotherapy

  • Behaviorism

  • Cognitivism

  • Behavioral Neuroscience

  • Natural Selection

  • Developmental Psychology

  • Maps of Meaning

  • Philology

  • The Human Condition

  • Psychopathy

  • Dark Tetrad

  • IQ/General Intelligence

  • Positive Psychology

  • Social Work

  • Child Psychology

  • Socratic Philosophy

  • Metaphysics

  • Stoicism

Theories

  • Trait Theory / Big 5 Model

  • Gottman Model

  • Hierarchy of Needs

  • Psychosocial Development

  • Objects Relation Theory

  • Classical Conditioning

  • Radical Behaviorism

  • ABA

  • Cognitive Development & Genetic Epistemology

  • Gabor Maté & Trauma

  • Intelligence/Personality

  • Memes & Gene-Centered Evolution

  • SCT

  • CHAT

  • Centroversion & Feminine Development

Interventions & Modalities

  • CBT

  • DBT

  • Rogerian 

  • Exposure Therapies

  • Assertiveness Training

  • Strategic Family Therapy

  • Structural Family Therapy

  • Gestalt Therapy

  • Solution-Focused Therapy

  • Task/Problem Solving Therapy

  • Feminist Therapy

  • TF-CBT

  • Psycho-Religious Counseling & Faith Based Therapy

  • Internal Family Systems

Significance & Practicality

Impact on Psychology: Existential Psychology has profoundly influenced the field by introducing a focus on the human experience and the complexities of personal existence. It has provided a counterbalance to more deterministic or reductionist approaches, advocating for a more holistic understanding of individuals. Kierkegaard’s philosophical insights laid the groundwork for later existential thinkers like Viktor Frankl, Rollo May, and Irvin Yalom, who expanded upon these ideas to develop therapeutic practices that address existential concerns.

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PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

  • Existential Therapy: Utilizes the principles of Existential Psychology to help clients explore fundamental aspects of existence, such as freedom, choice, and meaning. Therapists work with clients to confront existential anxieties and cultivate authentic living.

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  • Counseling and Psychotherapy: Incorporates existential concepts to address issues like depression, anxiety, and identity crises by focusing on personal responsibility and the search for meaning.

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  • Personal Development: Encourages individuals to engage in self-reflection, identify their true values and desires, and make intentional choices that align with their authentic selves.

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  • Education: Applies existential principles to foster critical thinking, personal growth, and the development of meaningful educational experiences.

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  • Organizational Development: Uses existential insights to enhance leadership, employee engagement, and organizational culture by promoting authenticity and meaningful work.

 

Relevance Today: Existential Psychology remains highly relevant in contemporary psychological practice and societal discourse. In an age marked by rapid change, uncertainty, and existential threats such as climate change and global pandemics, the focus on meaning, authenticity, and personal responsibility resonates deeply. Therapists and counselors continue to draw upon existential principles to help individuals navigate life's inherent challenges, fostering resilience and a deeper sense of purpose. Additionally, existential concepts are increasingly integrated into various disciplines, including education, leadership, and wellness, underscoring their enduring significance in promoting holistic well-being and personal fulfillment.

How do I get started?

To get started, simply give the Cortes Counseling a call or complete our request form. We’ll be happy to answer any questions you have and schedule a first session for you in our Bethany office. We are also proud to offer telehealth counseling services online, if you would prefer to conduct your sessions virtually.

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