Logo therapy by Viktor Frankl

Origin

Logo therapy is a term derived from “logos,” a Greek word that translates as “meaning.

Definition

            “The theory which states that humans are motivated by something called a "will to meaning," which equates to a desire to find meaning in life is called logo therapy.”

This theory is founded on the belief that human nature is motivated by the search for a life purpose and is the pursuit of that meaning for one's life. Frankl argued that life can have meaning even in the most miserable of circumstances and that the motivation for living comes from finding that meaning. Taking it a step further, Frankl wrote:

“Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances.”

This opinion was based on his experiences of suffering and his attitude of finding meaning through suffering. In this way, Frankl believed that when we can no longer change a situation, we are forced to change ourselves.

Components

Frankl believed in three components on which his theory and therapy were based:

● Each person has a healthy core.

● One's primary focus is to enlighten others to their own internal resources and provide the tools to use their inner core.

● Life offers purpose and meaning but does not promise fulfillment or happiness.

Purpose of Finding Meaning

Logo therapy is based on the premise that humans are driven to find a sense of meaning and purpose in life. Logo therapy proposes that meaning in life can be discovered in three distinct ways:

1. By creating work or doing a deed.

2. By experiencing something or encountering someone.

3. By the attitude that we take toward unavoidable suffering.

Frankl believed that suffering is a part of life, and that man’s ultimate freedom is his ability to choose how to respond to any set of given circumstances, even the most painful ones.

For example: when a man consulted with Frankl due to severe depression following the death of his wife, Frankl asked him to consider what would have happened if he had died first and his wife had been forced to mourn his death. The man was able to recognize that his own suffering spared his wife from having that experience, which served as a curative factor and helped relieve his depression. 

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