Existential issues are common in patient experiences and can present as themes in any practice setting, but particularly in psychotherapy. Existential issues are any concerns that arise from distress or questions about difficult subjects, such as death, meaning, freedom, and isolation, and can be a source of psychiatric concerns or simply a modifying factor. Because of this, clinicians should be able to recognize and understand the basic tenets of addressing existential issues in psychotherapy. This article outlines the historical context and theoretical basis of existentialism. It also discusses existential issues in relation to psychotherapy and provides practical clinical tips for addressing these issues with patients, including helpful probing questions, tips for noticing existential themes, and ideas about how to address existential issues in session.
Keywords: Anxiety; death and dying; existential psychotherapy; existentialism; psychodynamic psychotherapy.
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