To take an interest in personal development is to discover the meaning of life. In fact, it’s the only way to find out which direction to take, so that you know which path to follow. After all, it’s the only way to achieve happiness. And Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy can help you do just that. This term is derived from the Greek word “logos”, which in this case refers to the “meaning” or “sense” of something.

This approach can thus refer to a treatment method that focuses on the need for meaning. As well as being effective in bringing about a change in mental patterns, it is also a practice that enables us to cope better with life through anticipation and prevention.

Logotherapy or therapy through meaning

Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy has been around for a long time. So let’s take a look at its origins. And to do so, let’s recall the story of its precursor. Viktor Emil Frankl (1905 – 1997) was first and foremost an Austrian psychiatrist and neurologist with a particularly arduous background. From an early age, he was interested in the importance of life purpose in people’s mental health. He was also influenced in his youth by Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler. Following in their footsteps, he obtained his medical degree in 1930.

But if Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy is particularly effective, it’s because its originator had the unfortunate opportunity to test his theory on himself. Being Jewish, he was actually captured by the Nazis in the early 1940s and sent to the Theresienstadt concentration camp. Contrary to what he might have thought, it was the mentally strong who died first. The “fragile” ones did not. In the course of his observations, the Austrian doctor noticed that the latter were actually holding on to something. This was the origin of Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy.

He believed that when we have a life goal, it encourages us to remain patient, focused and persevering at the same time. As he later explained, it was his persistence in clinging to the target he had set himself that strengthened him and helped him survive the horrors of the Holocaust. For him, it was the deep desire to continue his life’s work that he had been forced to abandon. He has collected his ideas in a book entitled “Discovering meaning in life with logotherapy”, a powerful testimony.

Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy: what are its basic principles?

Despite this terrible experience, Frankl managed to achieve his goals. Throughout his career as a professor of psychiatry and neurology, he wrote 30 books and received 29 honorary doctorates from universities around the world. He has also lectured all over the world, sharing his knowledge across 5 continents. For many mental health professionals, his theory is based on solid concepts. But in practice, Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy isn’t just about making sense of life.

“The important thing was not what we wanted from life, but what life wanted from us. Instead of wondering whether life had meaning, we had to imagine that it was life that was questioning us.” – Viktor Frankl

This practice is based on 3 fundamental principles.

THE POWER OF CHOICE
“The Austrian psychiatrist once said: “Every man can, even in particularly difficult circumstances, choose what he will become, morally or spiritually. The first essence of Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy is indeed based on the fact that difficulties are an inseparable part of life. It’s virtually impossible to have a life without suffering. However, it is up to us to decide how much adversity we will endure.

To explain his point of view, he refers to the “noetic dimension”, which is always healthy. This place of moral awareness represents a powerful lever for remotivation and action. The aim is to refocus on oneself in order to surpass oneself. It’s also an infallible means of practicing self-distancing. In Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, you actually have to learn how to take a step back in order to gain an overview of your life. This small step backwards is necessary to observe with an objective eye and accept yourself as a whole person. It’s an indispensable step in personal development.

OBJECTIVES
While the power of choice can be effective in achieving a perfect balance between instinct, heritage, environment and behavior, Frankl also speaks of the “will to meaning”. Please note that this does not mean seeking happiness at all costs, thanks to Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy. This phase is more about finding a reason to be happy.

The mistake we frequently make is to try to achieve pleasure and power, thinking that these are a sine qua non for personal fulfillment. Yet these are only consequences, not tools for achieving that result. So there’s no point in starting a never-ending race to achieve joy and bliss. Instead, find your motivation. What makes you (or would make you) happy? Find a valid reason and reorient your strategy, your action plan, according to your answer.

THE MEANING OF LIFE
“Why am I alive? “What is the purpose of my existence on Earth? “Is it a matter of destiny or choice? These are questions that many of us ask ourselves. Particularly when faced with a difficulty. It’s perfectly understandable, but maybe we’re just not doing enough to find the answers we need. If the first two principles of this theory described a person who is ready to take action, in this stage of Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, you’ll be encouraged to take the plunge. To really begin the process of finding meaning in your life.

It’s a real duty you owe yourself. And there are 3 ways you can help:

Realize creative values;
Live an experience to the full;
Adopt the right attitude in the face of inevitable suffering.

By integrating these actions into your daily life, you can easily improve your life.

How does a logotherapy session work?

To reap the full benefits of Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, it’s entirely possible to seek professional support. However, to ensure the best results, you should seek the services of a certified logotherapist. As a rule, sessions last 1 hour. As this is a brief (but effective) form of support, 10 to 20 interviews are more than enough to produce the desired effect. As for cost, each session is priced between 50 and 70 dollars.

During this time, you’ll be asked to share your personal background, to help you identify your real qualities and skills. This stage of Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy is particularly useful for boosting your self-confidence. It may also be combined with other approaches such as music or art therapy.

The therapist also applies Socratic dialogue to access truths that would otherwise not be accepted. Mental health professionals often use this approach to bring about change. The principle is simple: by repeating what you’ve said, you discover the answers that are already anchored deep inside you. Hearing them prompts you to think more deeply and consider other alternatives to your problem.

Viktor frankl’s logotherapy in everyday life

“Everything can be taken away from a man except one thing, the last of human freedoms: the freedom to decide how to conduct himself, whatever the circumstances in which he finds himself.” – Viktor Frankl

This method is perfect if you’re currently going through an existential crisis, are at a turning point in your life or haven’t yet found your life mission. In fact, you can apply it in your daily life, without any outside help (although having a guide can be more advantageous for moving forward serenely and in the right direction). In Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, there are various exercises you can do, but today we’re going to mention 4 actions that are very easy to put into practice.

CONSIDER “UNREFLECTION
This is an integral part of this personal development technique. The aim is to take a breather. We often focus our attention on a problem when it arises. But this habit clouds our judgment, and we can’t make sound decisions under these conditions. So whenever you’re faced with a life obstacle, Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy encourages you to take a step back. Breathe and clear your head.

This method can be applied to all aspects of life, even sexual dysfunction. By turning your attention away from the “pleasure climax”, you’re actually more likely to reach it by focusing on the present, not the end.

TURN SUFFERING INTO OPPORTUNITY
Problems are common, and dealing with them in the right way is the key to a more fulfilling existence. Well, Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy encourages you to turn to the benefits rather than the losses to make the most of every situation.

Of course, this doesn’t mean burying your head in the sand or turning a blind eye to what’s going wrong. It’s about learning from the past. Don’t pretend that something never happened just because you didn’t get what you wanted from her. Instead, turn those unfortunate experiences into an opportunity to challenge yourself and go beyond your limits. You’ll appreciate your accomplishments even more.

VIKTOR FRANKL’S LOGOTHERAPY: CREATE SOMETHING
As Frankl suggested, creating something (e.g., a painting, a drawing, some artistic achievement) gives you a sense of purpose. It can help you give meaning to your life. But it’s not the only way to find fulfillment. You can also use your passions, the things that motivate you. You can then use them to identify your life mission. Needless to say, this is a sure-fire way to find meaning in your existence.

ACCEPT LIFE AS IT IS
Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy also involves accepting yourself and your life. This doesn’t mean simply accepting life as it is, but redirecting your attention to what deserves it. This applies not only to your relationships, but also to your life in general. You can help yourself by practicing gratitude and optimism.

For example, you can make a list of the 10 things you appreciate in your life right now. But you can do the same when you’re faced with any difficulty. Thanks to Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, you’ll find it easier to fight against your own life.

In any case, you can already take a look at the book “Discovering meaning in life with logotherapy” to get a clear idea of what this technique can offer you. All the more so as it’s an excellent read for getting on with life and personal development.

Is it effective for coping with this pandemic?

If you’re going through a difficult ordeal, try to find a purpose in it. That’s the essence of Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy. And this time of pandemic is a good example of situations that put a strain on our patient and our psychological well-being. So why not take the opportunity to try and improve your life? Take this chance to get to know yourself. Use it as an opportunity to make some changes to your habits and daily routine.

What about you? Have you already used this therapy? What did you learn from it? What tips would you give to other readers?