Finding Purpose: A Client’s Journey to Overcoming Relapse

In my recent work with a client, I encountered a profound ambivalence and uncertainty regarding his commitment to break his relapse pattern. His impulsive tendency to revert to old habits was prevalent, and without a compelling motive, the probability of change seemed bleak. The client’s uncertainty about his ability and desire to commit to a new path was a significant barrier.

During a previous session, the client expressed a sense of purposelessness. He questioned why he should continue striving for change if there was no compelling reason to do so. This existential crisis highlighted a crucial point: until the pain of remaining the same outweighs the comfort of the familiar, change is unlikely. What he needed was not just a decision but a profound reason why—a transcendent motive that would drive him to overcome his current state.

In response to this realization, I suggested that the issue was not mere ambivalence but a need for a clear, motivating purpose. Thus, we began an exploration of his visions and hopes, aiming to uncover his existential motives. Through this critical exploration, we identified that the client had a deep-seated desire to succeed in a specific area, linked to his childhood hopes and aspirations.

This newfound clarity led to a pivotal moment in our session. The client declared, “I have made my decision and my commitment. I have clarity and certainty that I can and I want to. It is just a matter of now deciding how to implement that decision.”

The remainder of the session focused on exploring the process and steps necessary to implement his decision. Throughout, we emphasized the existential view that when a person has a compelling why, they can endure almost any how.

This journey underscored the importance of having a clear purpose. For this client, identifying and committing to his existential motive was the key to breaking free from old patterns and moving toward a fulfilling, purposeful life.

(c)2024 John Piedrahita