Spiritual psychotherapy is a growing and evolving
field of practice with ancient roots. It is a branch of sciences recognizing
the multifaceted nature of our existence and interactions in the world. Aside
from physical, psychological, and social factors which affect our health and
well-being, spiritual psychotherapy recognizes the relevance of the dimension
of the human spirit in the search for meaningful goals, relationships, and
connections and our interaction with the transcendental dimension (which many
people identify as the dimension of the Creator; Superior Being; the Divine; or
God).
The ancient roots of spiritual psychotherapy can be
recognised in the age-old questions echoed in thousands of ways and languages
across all cultures and all societies since the dawn of humanity: “Who are we?”
and “What is our mission?” or in a personal way: “Who am I?” and “What is my
mission?”
Viktor E. Frankl’s Logotherapy and Existential
Analysis (also known as “The Third Viennese School of Psychotherapy”) was directly
derived from such deep-seated humanistic-existentialist concerns. At the root
of Frankl’s theory is the conviction that the “Search for Meaning” is the most
fundamental human motivating force. His theory, which is called “Logotheory,”
is based on three Pillars, basic assumptions, with profound anthropological,
philosophical and psychotherapeutic implications.
Existential analysis in Frankl’s practice (Logotherapy)
is always more than a historical unfolding of events. Existence is understood
in the context of the dynamics of the search for meaning (meaning of the
moment) in the context of an Ultimate Meaning (the dimension of the
Transcendent; Divine; or God) giving human life unlimited value and dignity.
A doctor, a neurologist, a psychiatrist, and a survivor
of the Holocaust, Frankl is world-renown for his book “Man’s Search for Meaning.”
The work he presents in this book (the principles of Logotherapy and
Existential Analysis) has been recognized both as a most significant
contribution to psychological thought and movement, and conveying deeply
religious thought.
The present study employs a
hermeneutic-phenomenological methodology (qualitative scientific method) to
explore the basic tenets of Viktor E. Frankl’s meaning-centered theory and
therapy in the light of the Biblical narratives. Old Testament and New
Testament writings are used as the context within which humanity’s search for
meaning as a fundamental existential quest takes place.
This methodology relies on a dialogue, interpretation,
and documentation of evolving understanding according to themes. General
questions such as “Which are the basic tenets of Frankl’s Meaning-centered
therapy?;” “Which are the resources of the human spirit?;” “What is
spirituality?;” “What is religion?;” “What can we learn from the Bible about
the Transcendental context of our existence?;” and “What are the implications
of our findings for current practice principles?” have been selected to guide the research
project and gradually unfold to introduce the reader to the narrative (an
evolving story of a part in the context of the whole). The reader is invited to
join the circle of evolving understanding and journey of discovery.
The text is divided into four sections, with four
chapters each. The chapters introduce us to Viktor Frankl as a person, Frankl
as a doctor, Frankl as a religious man. Consequently we learn about Biblical
passages quoted in his work which pertain to each life-phase, and introduce us
to his work. The theoretical implications and practical applications of each
tenet of Logotherapy and Existential Analysis are carefully presented and
interpreted on the basis of available literature as well as the interpretation
of relevant Biblical texts.
Some of the topics covered are: Frankl’s view of the
human person as body, mind, and spirit entity; Free Will; Will to Meaning,
Meaning in life under all circumstances; existential dynamics; existential
dialectics; existential analysis; facing the tragic triad of human existence
(suffering in the form of pain, guilt, and death); the principles of
meaning-centered practice; areas where meanings can be found; stepping stones
to finding meaning; spirit; spirituality; religion and the interaction among
these in everyday life to foster optimal health and well-being.
The text is presented as an evolving narrative,
illustrated with case examples, metaphors, pictorial depictions, and guidelines
for evidence-based practice.
Extensive literature review of available texts on
logotherapy was undertaken by the authors in preparation for this research, and
thus of literature available in English and other languages (German, Spanish,
Italian, and Portuguese) have been reviewed and are included in a current and
up to date exhaustive bibliography.
Biblical passages and contents from the Old Testament
and New Testament form a nest within which Frankl’s Logotherapy and Existential
analysis appear as a significant contributor to the growing field of spiritual
psychotherapy.
Current quantitative studies on the validity of
logotherapy are presented along with qualitative evidence.
The present qualitative research examining the
connection between the ultimate context of existence and Frankl’s Logotherapy
and Existential Analysis aims to contribute to these efforts and offers its
findings to the interested audience.
This book is dedicated to the Reader. We hope you find
it informative as well as enjoyable. It is available at amazon.com
