1. Existential Therapy and the Meaning of Being – - Essentials for a fulfilling life - Längle Alfried, M.D., Ph.D. International Society for Logotherapy and Existential Analysis, Vienna www.laengle.info / www.existential-analysis.org

6. Agenda I. Logotherapy I.1. Introduction I.2. Key for discovering meaning I.3. Existential Meaning I.4. Ontological Meaning II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) II.1. Introduction II.2. Key to existence II.3. Existence and meaning II.4. Meaning and spirituality III. Methods III.1. Practical steps with 4 FM III.2. The Logotherapeutic Meaning Searching Method (MSM) III.3. Method of Life Horizon IV. Investigations

7. I. Logotherapy 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

8. Logos = meaning therapy through the discovery of meaning I. Logotherapy 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I.1. Introduction

9. Metaphysical approach: “THERE IS” meaning in the world 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I. Logotherapy  I.1. Introduction

10. “Life has meaning in all circumstances ” 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. “In the Beginning was Meaning” I. Logotherapy – I.1. Introduction

11. Main contribution of Frankl: made “meaning” a practical concept for psychology and therapy. 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. Irv Yalom (1980, p. 521) “Few clinicians have given meaning so much importance … like Frankl.” I. Logotherapy – I.1. Introduction

12. The concept of meaning is further on developed existentially in Logotherapy “...meaning cannot be given arbitrarily but must be found responsibly.” V. Frankl (1970, p. 63) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I. Logotherapy – I.1. Introduction

13. Making sense

14. the “Copernican Turn” (V. Frankl, 1946) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I.2. Key for discovering meaning I. Logotherapy

15. I. Logotherapy  I.2. Key for finding meaning Instead of asking for the meaning of your life… See yourself as the center of the decisive world! 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

16. I. Logotherapy  I.2. Key for finding meaning “It is life itself that asks questions of man. (…) it is not up to man to question; rather he should recognize that he is questioned, questioned by life; (Frankl 1973, 62) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

17. I. Logotherapy  I.2. Key for finding meaning “It is life itself that asks questions of man. (…) it is not up to man to question; rather he should recognize that he is questioned, questioned by life; he has to respond by being responsible; and he can answer to life only by answering for his life.” (Frankl 1973, 62) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

18. I. Logotherapy  I.2. Key for finding meaning Basis = connectedness: 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. ME „World“ Other(s), YOU vis-à-vis other(s) INSIDE OUTSIDE Being-in-the-World

19. I. Logotherapy  I.2. Key for finding meaning questionning, asking…dialogue towards me (= demand, requirement(s) of the situation) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. ME „World“ Other(s), YOU vis-à-vis other(s) Being-in-the-World

20. I. Logotherapy  I.2. Key for finding meaning questionning … dialogue (= demand, requirement(s) of the situation) Responding ME „World“ Other(s), YOU vis-à-vis other(s) Being-in-the-World Dialogical reality of existence

21. I. Logotherapy  I.2. Key for finding meaning In other words… Being human means:  being questionned to live means:  giving answers 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

22. I. Logotherapy  I.2. Key for finding meaning Frankl introduced dialogical exchange with the world In Logotherapy: existence questions emerge from outside („world“) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

23. Meaning is discovered through the realization of values (V. Frankl, 1984, 202) I. Logotherapy 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I.3. Existential Meaning

24. Existential Meaning is defined as: “…a possibility embedded in reality“ V. Frankl 1985, 42 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I. Logotherapy  I.3. Existential Meaning

25. Three “Main Roads” (“categories of values”) to meaning (V. Frankl, 1946; 1973, 43f) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I. Logotherapy  I.3. Existential Meaning

26. Three categories for discovering meaning according to Frankl: Creative values 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I. Logotherapy  I.3. Existential Meaning

27. Three categories for discovering meaning according to Frankl: Creative values Experiential values 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I. Logotherapy  I.3. Existential Meaning

28. Three categories for discovering meaning according to Frankl: Creative values Experiential values Attitudinal values 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I. Logotherapy  I.3. Existential Meaning

29. The search for meaning... = mirrors our fundamental humanness: a “manifestation of intellectual sincerity and honesty” ≠ sickness per se (Freud ) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I. Logotherapy  I.3. Existential Meaning

30. Frankl: “Existential vacuum” = persistent experiential state and deep feelings of meaninglessness and emptiness Frankl 1970, 88ff 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I. Logotherapy  I.3. Existential Meaning

31. Frankl “Existential vacuum” = persistent experiential state and deep feelings of meaninglessness and emptiness  loss of interest and apathy  aggression – depression – addiction & unstable psychological health Frankl 1970, 88ff 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I. Logotherapy  I.3. Existential Meaning

32. Loss of Meaning a) Anthropological aspects: loss of instincts loss of traditions developmental phases b) Difficult life situations: like harm, damages, losses, boredom 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I. Logotherapy  I.3. Existential Meaning

33. “Purpose” …goal defined by ourselves  subjects the other = means to an end “Meaning” …emerges from dialogue with the world  value in itself 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I. Logotherapy  I.3. Existential Meaning

34.  religion  philosophy I. Logotherapy 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. I.4. Ontological Meaning

35. I. Logotherapy – I.4. Ontological Meaning 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. ? ? ? I a) activity: Existential meaning b) Horizon (meaning of all): ontological meaning Relationship between existential and ontological meaning: ? ?

36. II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

37. Existential Analysis (Vienna) phenomenological-existential approach II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. II.1. Introduction

38. Existential Analysis (Vienna) phenomenological-existential approach focus on being – our being there rooted in the person  approaching the world and oneself on the basis of becoming “more fully oneself”  criterion for becoming more fully oneself: inner fulfillment II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. II.1. Introduction

39. Existential Analysis (Vienna) Existence = analysis of the conditions of life with a view towards the possibilities worth realizing and living for II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.1. Introdution 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

40. Existential Analysis today II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.1. Introdution Theory of emotion and psychodynamics Theory of psychopathology & etiology Biographical and trauma work 14 practical methods and techniques Treatment concepts specific for diagnosis

41. 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. Existential Analysis II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.1. Introdution … a phenomenological-personal psychotherapy with the aim of enabling a person … to experience his life freely at the spiritual and emotional levels, …to arrive at authentic decisions and responsible ways of dealing with both himself and the world around him

42. 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.1. Introdution Basic principle of Existential Analysis (EA): …Dialogical exchange with oneself and others

43. Inner worldOuter world I Person II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.1. Introdution 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. Person stands in continuous inner and outer dialogue

44. Questionning Responding ME „World“ Other(s), YOU Being-in-the-World II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.1. Introdution Dialogical reality of existence

45. 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.1. Introdution Prerequisites for dialogue: Phenomenological openness Inner consent

46. - Freedom: experienced and practiced - A felt sense: con-“sent“ - Authentic - Responsible - Dialogue (inner and outer)  agreement II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. II.2. Key to existence

47. The aim of EA: to help people… … to experience (to live with) inner consent with what one is doing II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.2. Key to existence 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

48. Criterion for a „full“ existence: To experience inner fulfillment II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.2. Key to existence 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

49. The relativization of meaning – existence means more than just the realization of meaning II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. II.3. Existence and meaning

50. 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. The four fundamental realities (dimensions): the world in its facts & possibilities II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.3. Existence and meaning

51. 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. The four fundamental realities (dimensions): the world in its facts & possibilities life with its network of relationships and feelings II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.3. Existence and meaning

52. 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. The four fundamental realities (dimensions): the world in its facts & possibilities life with its network of relationships and feelings being oneself as a unique, autonomous, responsible person II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.3. Existence and meaning

53. 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. The four fundamental realities (dimensions): the world in its facts & possibilities life with its network of relationships and feelings being oneself as a unique, autonomous, responsible person the wider context:  the future (“becoming” through one’s activities and engagement)  meaning II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.3. Existence and meaning

54. 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. EXISTENCE = Will (inner consent) 1. To connect with the WORLD : „I exist“, „I am able to be“ 2. To feel the value of LIFE 3. PERSON = to be oneself, a unique being: to sense/experience authenticity 4. Openness to MEANING -connections: situational + fundamental

55. 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. Psychopathology: inhibition of the four fundamental realities (dimensions) the world  anxiety life  depression being oneself  hysteria, personality disorders the wider context  suicidality II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.3. Existence and meaning

56. 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. groundlessness  world with its supporting structure; death  life with its growth and temporality; loneliness  uniqueness of being a person; meaning/  contextual understan- absurdity ding of one’s own existence (=meaning) II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.3. Existence and meaning Yalom (1980): Existential Analysis:

57. Result: the dimensions of existence turn into  fundamental existential motivations 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.3. Existence and meaning

58. Personal Meaning … more than just a „possibility“: a)The „feeling“ of life‘s demand to become fruitful, to be, to strive, to experience one‘s life as purposeful and good.  a request of our being here. 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.3. Existence and meaning

59. Personal Meaning Not only to enrich others but also b) to „become more“ by  transcending oneself towards otherness  transcending the moment, the time 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.3. Existence and meaning

60. 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. Meaning alignment with a value value II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.3. Existence and meaning

61. The Meaning of Being … a process of BECOMING: based in individual being and contingent upon our transcending (reaching beyond) our individual being  = to really become in this, our world, what we could be and what we can share in accordance with our essence 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – II.3. Existence and meaning

62. The ultimate horizon (or ground) of meaning – the ontological meaning = the „meaning of all“: cannot be grasped, known or observed – but can be sensed and intuitively felt II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. II.4. Meaning and spirituality

63. Ontological meaning: Spiritual content in meaning  feeling that our being exists within an overall context (ungraspable meaning of life) II. Existential Analysis (Vienna) – Meaning and spirituality 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

64. III. Methods 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

65. for finding existential meaning according to the Fundamental Existential Motivations Works with inner consent and the 4 fundamental realities (dimensions) of existence III. Methods 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. III.1. Practical steps

66. 1. Harmonizing with reality I am here - what can I do?  Perception, recognition and acceptance of realistic possibilities amongst the facts and given reality III. Methods  III.1. Practical steps 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

67. 2. Connecting emotionally I feel my life when I like what I do  Feeling what I value, Openning myself to relationships, turning towards myself and others III Methods  III.1. Practical steps 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

68. 3. My individuality, my uniqueness Do I feel free to be myself? Does it correspond to „me“, to my interests and ethics  experiences of self-esteem, attention, justice and appreciation III. Methods  III.1. Practical steps 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

69. 4. Transcending one‘s life toward a greater context I am here – for what purpose?  Needs a field of activity, a structural context and a value to be realized in the future III. Methods  III.1. Practical steps 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

70. Discovering Meaning… … demands a field of activity, … a structural context and … a value to be realized in the future III. Methods  III.1. Practical steps 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

71. Fields of activity “ mainroads to existential meaning ” (V. Frankl) Experiential values Creative values Attitudinal values 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. III. Methods  III.1. Practical steps

72. Meaning = Questions of orientation (V. Frankl)  our belonging to (homeland; rootedness; field of activity & context) – BEING  our going towards (a value to be realized in the future; striving; transcending; being fruitful) - BECOMING 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. III. Methods  III.1. Practical steps

73. Competencies for discovering meaning: 1. Cognitive capacities 2. Emotional capacities 3. Moral capacities 4. Existential capacities 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. III. Methods  III.1. Practical steps

74. for the counselling of concrete situations Based on an enlarged definition of Frankl‘s existential meaning III. Methods 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. III.2. The Logotherapeutic Meaning Searching Method (MSM)

75. Steps: 1. Perception What is the situation – what is possible for you? 2. Evaluation How important/worthy are these possibilities for you? 3. Selection What do you want? 4. Action When and by what means can you do it? 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. III. Methods  III.2. The Logotherapeutic Meaning Searching Method

76. 1. Actuality 2. History 3. Dialogue III. Methods 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. III.3. Method of Life Horizon

77. 1. Step: Reference to the loss  “What happened? Why did you lose meaning? What is your own understanding?” 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. III. Methods  III.3. Method of Life Horizon

78. 2. Step: Taking up the life line  “What was meaningful in your life? Why was that meaningful?” 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. III. Methods  III.3. Method of Life Horizon

79. 3. Step: Existential turn  “What does this situation want from you? What is actually needed from you? What is the challenge?” 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. III. Methods  III.3. Method of Life Horizon

80. IV. Investigations 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D.

81. The quest for meaning in daily life: Tutsch et al. (2000) 96 % of 200 people indicated that they have been confronted with meaning questions 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. IV. Investigations

82. 11 %: meaning doesn’t play any role in their life These have the best results in the meaning test! 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. IV. Investigations

83. When you have found/discovered meaning - it doesn’t bother you any more… ! 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. IV. Investigations

84. Debats (1996), Holland N = 114; Life Regard Index (Battista & Almond 1973) Meaning Stress , happiness , self-esteem  Existential Meaning well-being  & progress in psth  1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. IV. Investigations

85. RCT-studies in Logotherapy: 24 RCT studies, mainly on sleeping disorders, anxiety, meta-analysis 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. IV. Investigations

86. Power of meaning He who has a why to live for – can bear almost any how. (F. Nietzsche – wording of V. Frankl 1963, 164) 1st World Congress for Existential Therapy London 17th May 2015 - Alfried Längle, M.D., Ph.D. IV. Investigations

87. Thank You Längle Alfried, M.D., Ph.D. International Society for Logotherapy and Existential Analysis, Vienna www.laengle.info / www.existential-analysis.org