What is logotherapy?

Logotherapy, or “healing through meaning” in Greek, is the psychological theory developed by Viktor Frankl. Based on his experiences as a medical doctor, psychiatrist, neurologist, and philosopher, he formulated his meaning-centred approach which promotes freedom of choice and personal responsibility. It is internationally recognized and empirically-based.

Frankl developed logotherapy prior to entering the concentration camps at the age of 37. His encounters with the worst of human conditions ended up providing him with an unwanted laboratory that confirmed his theory. He saw that those who were oriented toward a meaning to be fulfilled were more likely to survive.

 According to Frankl, as human beings, our primary motivation for living is to find meaning.  

Those who study psychology will find logotherapy included in the humanistic and existential theories. It is often referred to as the Third School of Viennese Psychology after Sigmund Freud’s Psychoanalysis and Alfred Adler’s Individual Psychology. Many summarize the central motivating force in Freud’s theory as “will to pleasure,” Adler’s as “will to power,” and Frankl’s as “will to meaning.” For those not using its clinical application, logotherapy offers a sound life philosophy.

The primary goal of logotherapy is to help individuals find meaning and purpose in their lives, particularly in the face of suffering and adversity. It emphasizes the human drive to find meaning and the capacity to choose one's attitude in any given situation, even in the face of hardship. Logotherapy aims to empower individuals to discover meaning through creative activities, experiencing life fully, and choosing their attitude in all situations.