Professional paper
Frankl's Logotherapy – Curing with Meaning
Želimir PULJIĆ
Abstract
One hundred years ago, psychiatrist Viktor Emil Frankl, the
founder of logotherapy, was born in Vienna. In the war
"holocaust" (1942-1945) he lost his family-members and the
experience of suffering made him stronger in his belief that
the meaning of life is more powerful than anything. He
created the system of logotherapy which deals with the
"meaning of existence" and the therapeutic technique of
finding that meaning, while the theory itself was expressed in
three concepts: free will, will for meaning and the meaning
of life. The main cause of numerous contemporary diseases,
according to Frankl, is in the lack of purpose and meaning
of life which cause the spiritual unrest of "aimlessness",
"pointlessness" and "emptiness" (noogene neuroses).
Logotherapy teaches that there is an objective and general
meaning that restores people's belief in life and awakens
their sense of responsibility. Due to the fact that humans are
free and responsible beings, Frankl does not accept any
determinism which would rule over their destiny. Human
beings are responsible for their own happiness and capable
of discovering the values of life, led by their conscience,
which is their "organ of meaning". Frankl uses opinions,
knowledge and discoveries of other authors abundantly, and
his psychological and philosophical considerations are
interesting and popular with readers. He does not cover up
differences among particular psychological movements and
psychotherapeutic methods. Frankl respects other
movements, criticises freely and does not accept
exclusiveness. He is well-informed and substantially
prepared. Not only in philosophy and medicine, which he
promoted, but also in other fields of natural and social
sciences, in ethics and psychiatry, therapy and psychology.
From his books, articles and lectures a steadfast optimism
and hope radiate. Logotherapy is not just a technique but
also a skill for successfully helping people to find meaning –
in three ways: in the act of creation, while experiencing some
value and by suffering.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
17982
URI
Publication date:
31.10.2005.
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