October 2023 – Practical Existential Therapy

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has been raging for over a week, resulting in the death of hundreds of people and injuring thousands more. The situation has sparked widespread protests and condemnation across the world, with calls for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution. But what are the root causes of this war, and how can we understand them from an existential perspective?

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, particularly after the horrors of World War II. It emphasizes the freedom and responsibility of human beings to create their own meaning and values in an absurd and indifferent world. Famous existentialists such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Martin Heidegger explored themes of anxiety, death, alienation, authenticity, and choice in their works.

One of the key concepts in existentialism is the notion of the “Other”. The Other is anything or anyone who is different from oneself, and who challenges one’s identity and worldview, thereby threatening one’s freedom and security. The Other can be a person, a group, a culture, a religion, or even an idea. The Other can also be a source of fascination, admiration, love, or respect. However, the Other can also provoke fear, hatred, violence, or oppression.

The war between Israel and Hamas can be seen as a manifestation of the existential conflict between two Others: the Israelis and the Palestinians. Both sides have their own histories, narratives, identities, values, and aspirations, and both have suffered from oppression, displacement, trauma, and injustice. Both sides have legitimate claims to the land, the resources, and sovereignty, and both have the right to exist and coexist.

However, both sides also perceive each other as existential threats to their very existence. Each side views the other as enemies, invaders, terrorists, or oppressors, and both sides resort to violence, aggression, retaliation, or self-defense. Each side justifies their actions by appealing to their moral principles, religious beliefs, or national interests. Both sides dehumanize each other by denying their humanity, dignity, or rights.

As an existential psychotherapist, I believe that the only way to end this war and achieve peace is to recognize and respect the Other as a fellow human being. This means acknowledging the complexity and diversity of the Other’s reality, understanding the reasons and emotions behind the Other’s behavior, empathizing with the suffering and needs of the Other, and communicating with the Other in an honest and respectful manner.

This also means taking responsibility for one’s own choices and actions, reflecting on one’s own biases and prejudices, questioning one’s own assumptions and values, and challenging one’s own fears and hatreds. This also means accepting one’s own vulnerability and mortality, facing one’s own anxiety and guilt, and embracing one’s own freedom and creativity.

The war between Israel and Hamas is not inevitable or necessary. It is not a result of fate or destiny, nor is it a consequence of God’s will or history’s logic. It is a product of human decisions and actions, a reflection of human freedom and responsibility, and an expression of human existence and meaning.

Therefore, it is up to us humans to change it. It is up to us to create a new reality and make peace possible.
Source:
(1) War and existentialism | Encore | thenews.com.pk. https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/561876-war-existentialism.
(2) Existentialism | Definition, History, Characteristics, Examples, Types …. https://www.britannica.com/topic/existentialism.
(3) Existential War – The Mackenzie Institute. https://mackenzieinstitute.com/2008/04/existential-war/.
(4) Existentialism – AllAboutPhilosophy.org. https://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/existentialism.htm.
(5) Existentialism and Classroom Practice – IOSR Journals. https://iosrjournals.org/iosr-jhss/papers/Vol8-issue6/N0868791.pdf.

Welcome back to our journey through existential therapy! In this article, we will delve into the complex world of bipolar personality disorder from an existential standpoint. If you have been following our previous posts, you already know that existential therapy emphasizes the importance of individual experience, freedom, and responsibility. Today, we will explore how these existential principles can guide individuals in coping with bipolar personality disorder and living a meaningful life.

Living with bipolar personality disorder can be a rollercoaster ride, but an existential perspective offers a unique lens through which individuals can find purpose and meaning in their journey. Remember that every person's experience is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. By embracing freedom, responsibility, authenticity, and the present moment, individuals can navigate their bipolar disorder with resilience and discover a fulfilling life. — Existential therapy recognizes the importance of human connection. Encourage individuals with bipolar disorder to reach out for support from friends, family, and mental health professionals. Connection with others can be a powerful source of strength and understanding.

Understanding Bipolar Personality Disorder:
Before we embark on our existential journey, it is crucial to have a basic understanding of bipolar personality disorder. Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, from the highs of mania to the lows of depression. People with bipolar disorder often struggle with their emotional states, making it a challenging condition to navigate. However, existential therapy offers a unique perspective on how to approach these challenges.

Embracing Freedom and Responsibility:
Existential therapy reminds us that we have the freedom to define our lives despite the circumstances. People with bipolar personality disorder often face the challenge of managing their moods, but they can still take responsibility for their responses to these mood swings. Encourage individuals to recognize their agency in making choices and seeking help when needed.

Emphasizing Authenticity:
Existential therapy emphasizes the importance of living an authentic life. People with bipolar disorder may sometimes feel as though their moods define them. Encourage them to explore their true selves beyond their mental health condition. Help them identify their values, interests, and passions, and support them in pursuing a life that aligns with their authentic self.

Embracing the Present Moment:
Existential therapy teaches us to focus on the present moment, as it is the only moment we truly have control over. For individuals with bipolar personality disorder, this can mean learning to manage their emotions in the here and now. Teach mindfulness techniques and help them develop strategies for grounding themselves when they experience mood swings.

Finding Meaning in the Struggle:
Existential therapy acknowledges that life can be filled with suffering and challenges. Encourage individuals with bipolar disorder to find meaning in their struggles. Help them explore how their experiences, even the difficult ones, contribute to their personal growth and development.

Seeking Support:
Existential therapy recognizes the importance of human connection. Encourage individuals with bipolar disorder to reach out for support from friends, family, and mental health professionals. Connection with others can be a powerful source of strength and understanding.

Conclusion:
Living with bipolar personality disorder can be a rollercoaster ride, but an existential perspective offers a unique lens through which individuals can find purpose and meaning in their journey. Remember that every person’s experience is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. By embracing freedom, responsibility, authenticity, and the present moment, individuals can navigate their bipolar disorder with resilience and discover a fulfilling life.

In our next article, we will explore how existential therapy can help individuals cope with anxiety and find existential meaning in the face of this common mental health challenge. Stay tuned for more insights into the world of existential therapy!