Viktor Frankl's Logotherapy: Meaning-Centered Counseling by Ann Graber

Author:Ann Graber [Graber, Ann]
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Tags: Psychology
ISBN: 9781556054075
Publisher: Wyndham Hall Press
Published: 2004-09-22T04:00:00+00:00

VII

EXAMPLES of LOGOTHERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS

Application of Logotherapy in Inescapable Suffering The holistic philosophy of an integrated human being centered in a spiritual core, as postulated by Viktor Frankl, is nearly universally acceptable. It appeals not only to the religiously inclined, but also to secular humanists, agnostics, even atheists. The perennial wisdom of Frankl’s philosophy is inclusive, existential (being concerned with the “here and now” of existence), and future oriented. It is firmly grounded in realism - even pragmatism. It advocates action in areas where action is needed, seeks to find meaning in suffering where cure is no longer possible, and looks to the future with hope.

Frankl has placed all experiences arising from our human condition into five general areas. These common areas of experience are filled with meaning potential and provide occasions for growth. They are perceived as follows:

The Meaning of Life

The Meaning of Death

The Meaning of Suffering

The Meaning of Work

The Meaning of Love (1985, DS, pp. 25-175).

According to logotherapy it is intrinsic to human nature to want to find meaning in these above areas of human existence. None of us is exempt from reflecting on the above listed manifests

APPLICATION OF LOGOTHERAPY in Key Areas of Human Suffering:

of human life. Most of the time, we can handle the lessons life brings to us. Occasionally, too much happens too quickly, or we are hurt too deeply and we need to seek help. Then we join the long lines of the despondent, despairing, doubting and confused, who seek out the services of those who have the compassion to hear us and the wisdom to guide us.

The long roster of common problems listed in Chapter III, which are brought before helpers dealing in pastoral psychology and related fields, can readily be absorbed into the five divisions dealing with the Meaning of Life, Death, Suffering, Work, and Love. Frankl has postulated that the problems associated with these key areas of human life also have roots in common; that there are underlying dynamics which drive most, if not all, human problems. They can be grouped into three basic categories. These driving forces of most of our problems are: despondency, despair, doubt and confusion, and combinations thereof. He delineated how certain problems group around each of these dynamics or characteristic energies.

The preceding diagram (Fig. 7) offers an overview of key areas “homo patiens” or the suffering human being is likely to encounter in the course of life. It identifies various dynamics that are the underlying driving force in each area of human suffering. The myriad of presenting symptoms or problems, which brings clients to seek help, may be found primarily in one category or another, but can also present in combination of one or more dynamics arising from the search for meaning in Life, Death, Suffering, Work, or Love.

People experiencing despondency are often caught in a tragic triad: they are pained, guilty, or grieving. They may feel helpless and overwhelmed by fate. Conditions of the tragic triad are an inescapable part of human existence.

People in despair will tend to struggle with the neurotic triad of depression, aggression, and addiction.

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