Existential therapy is a reflective, philosophical approach that helps you explore the big questions of being human – meaning, choice, freedom, responsibility, uncertainty and loss. Rather than treating difficulties as symptoms to be removed, it sees them as part of how we live and respond to our circumstances. Sessions are confidential and usually last 50 minutes, offering an open, honest space to think about your life and how you want to live it.
Existential therapists do not follow a fixed technique or set agenda. Together with your therapist, you look closely at your own lived experience – your relationships, your values, the choices you have made and the limits you face – and how these shape the way you feel. The emphasis is on understanding rather than fixing, and on staying with what is real for you, even when it is uncomfortable.
Through this exploration, many people find a clearer sense of what matters to them and greater freedom in how they respond to life’s challenges. Existential therapy can help you face uncertainty, make decisions with more confidence and find meaning even in difficult times, so that you can live more authentically and in line with your own values.
Existential therapy can be valuable for anyone who is questioning their direction in life or struggling to make sense of their experiences. It can be helpful for people facing:
Our therapists at Hackney Therapy House work at a pace that suits you, and the length of therapy is tailored to your individual needs. To find a therapist who works in an existential way, please visit our Our Therapists page.
Read about the difficulties our therapists support, from anxiety, depression and stress to relationships, grief and trauma, and find information on the issues that matter to you.
Find answers to common questions about how therapy works, what to expect in your first session, fees, confidentiality and choosing between face-to-face and online appointments.
Browse our therapists' profiles, approaches, languages and availability, then contact them directly to arrange an introductory call or book your first session.