Application of existential psychotherapy

In incorporating more person-centered approaches to patient care, the significance of spirituality and meaning are important resources for coping with emotional and existential suffering as individuals approach death. Palliative care practitioners recognize the importance of spiritual suffering and the need to design appropriate interventions to address it. For instance, patients suffering from severe and enduring psychiatric disorders, such as major affective or psychotic disorders, may develop a chronic and treatment-refractory condition where recovery in a traditional, curative sense is essentially out of reach. There are six basic dimensions of existential psychotherapy discussed in Corey: 1) Capacity for self-awareness; 2) freedom and responsibility; 3) striving for identity and relationship to others; 4) search for meaning; 5) anxiety as a condition of living; and 6) awareness of death and nonbeing. Select one of the dimensions. In your own words, explain your understanding of the dimension of your choice and provide examples illustrating its application to practice. Minimum 150 words.

Full Answer Section

      Here are some examples of how palliative care practitioners can apply the dimension of search for meaning to practice:
  • Help patients to define their own meaning in life. What is important to them? What gives their life meaning?
  • Help patients to identify their personal values. What do they believe in? What is important to them in their relationships with others?
  • Help patients to find meaning in their suffering. This may involve helping them to understand their suffering in a new way, to find meaning in their struggle, or to connect with others who are also suffering.
  • Help patients to find meaning in their relationships with others. This may involve helping them to strengthen their relationships with loved ones, to connect with other people who are facing similar challenges, or to find meaning in their role as a caregiver.
  • Help patients to prepare for death. This may involve helping them to discuss their wishes for end-of-life care, to say their goodbyes to loved ones, or to find peace with their own mortality.
The search for meaning is a personal and individual journey. There is no one right answer for everyone. However, palliative care practitioners can play an important role in supporting patients on their journey to find meaning.  

Sample Answer

   

The search for meaning is a central dimension of existential psychotherapy. Existentialists believe that humans are constantly striving to find meaning in their lives. This meaning can come from a variety of sources, such as relationships, work, religion, or personal values.

When people are faced with a terminal illness, their search for meaning may become more urgent. They may question the meaning of their lives and the meaning of suffering. They may also wonder what happens after death.

Palliative care practitioners can help patients with their search for meaning by creating a safe and supportive space for them to explore these questions. They can also help patients to identify their personal values and to find meaning in their relationships with others.