Viktor E. Frankl's Logotherapy and Existential Analysis: Theory and Practice

This textbook is intended for students and practitioners who wish to learn about the theory and practice of Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy and Existential Analysis (LTEA) as a form of psychotherapy and the foundation of meaning-centered interventions. By providing a comprehensive review of the main tenets of LTEA, we are hoping to contribute to a growing body of literature that presents the wealth of the historical legacy, the creative, experiential, and attitudinal dimensions of this evidence-based approach to medicine, psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy, counseling, chaplaincy, and social work, with a myriad of applications in varied fields of study and practice. Chapter one, entitled “The Origins,” details the rationale of LTEA and its main thrust. Chapter two, “Uniqueness” illustrates the holistic considerations evident in LTEA. Chapter three, “The Roots,” covers Dr. Frankl’s life from his early childhood until his death with a vivid illustration of the historical context within which the main tenets of LTEA were formulated. Chapter four, “The Three Pillars,” details the theoretical basis and the practical implications of fundamental tents at the root of LTEA. Chapter five, “Dimensional Ontology,” presents the holistic view of the human person in Frankl’s theory. Chapter six, “Existential Dynamics,” details existential dynamics that are the focus of clinical attention. Chapter seven, “Suffering and Meaning,” reviews the basis of the Frankl’s notion of the “Tragic Triad” of suffering and the basis for a “Tragic Optimism.” Chapter eight, “Existential Analysis” details the trajectory and scope of existential analysis as part of meaning-centered practice. Chapter nine, “The Process,” describes the stages and phases of meaning-centered interventions. Chapter ten, “Methods,” presents the three major methods of logotherapy: paradoxical intention, de-reflection, and modification of attitudes with clinical illustrations. Chapter eleven, “Narrative Logotherapy,” presents dialogue forms and narrative elements that guide meaning-centered interventions. Chapter twelve, “Other Methods” introduces several other methods that are part of the logotherapeutic toolbox. Chapter thirteen, “Evidence-based Logotherapy”reviews assessment toolsdeveloped to measure the concepts of logotherapy, discusses currentresearch results in various areas of clinical practice, and presents current evidence based structured clinical interventions and clinical applications. Chapter fourteen, “Logotherapy and Well-being” reviews the role of meaning in mediating the effects of resilience, fostering post-traumatic growth and self-transcendence for optimal well-being. Chapter fifteen, “Logotherapy in the World,” contains an interview with Prof. Dr. Elisabeth Lukas and Prof. Dr. Alexander Batthyány, two internationally recognized leaders in the field of logotherapy. Chapter sixteen, “A Living Exhibition” introduces the reader to the Viktor Frankl Museum at the location of Frankl’s home in Vienna and presents its interactive features. The seventeenth and final chapter “The Work Remains” invites the reader to carry the flame of Viktor E. Frankl’s logotherapy and existential analysis into their own lives and practice.