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The Logotherapist as Witness: The Rubik’s Cube and the Untangling of the Knot
The Logotherapist as Witness: The Rubik’s Cube and the Untangling of the Knot By: John Piedrahita, LMHC, LMFT In the course of logotherapeutic dialogue, I often find myself reflecting on the nature of what unfolds between therapist and client—the sacred process of meaning discovery, unveiling, and self-realization. It is a process that ultimately belongs to…
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Near-Death Experiences as a Catalyst for Logotherapeutic Awakening: An Existential Analysis
Near-Death Experiences as a Catalyst for Logotherapeutic Awakening: An Existential Analysis By: John Piedrahita Near-death experiences (NDEs) represent a unique confrontation with mortality that can evoke profound existential transformation. While logotherapy is often framed primarily as a psychotherapeutic intervention, Viktor Frankl (1959/2006) emphasized that it is more fundamentally an orientation toward life rooted in the…
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Logotherapy and Integration of Counseling Theories
As I explore the integration of counseling theories and the broader forces shaping the field, several key insights stand out. The growing emphasis on theoretical flexibility highlights the importance of the clinician’s adaptability in responding to diverse client needs. Counseling is evolving beyond rigid allegiance to any singular modality, increasingly calling for integrative approaches that…
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Transcendence, Suffering, and the Unfolding Self
Transcendence, Suffering, and the Unfolding SelfWritten by John Piedrahita, MS, LMHC, LMFT, PhD Student in CES Existential counseling invites both client and clinician into the shared mystery of being—where suffering, meaning, identity, and spirit converge. Sometimes, what cannot be articulated in the language of symptomatology must instead be voiced through the poetic imagination. The…
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The Therapeutic Power of Logotherapy in Clinical Supervision
The Therapeutic Power of Logotherapy in Clinical Supervision Logotherapy, founded by Viktor Frankl, emphasizes the search for meaning as a fundamental human drive. Its implications extend beyond individual therapy, influencing clinical supervision and the dynamics between supervisors and supervisees. A recent review of literature on logotherapy and supervision revealed compelling insights into how values and…
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Witnessing the Omniscience of the Transcendent
Witnessing the Omniscience of the Transcendent The Transcendent, both passive and active, within this great opportunity to understand, bears witness to the All, for it sees all, because it encompasses all. When one encompasses everything, one’s only responsibility is to be a witness to the All—similar to one’s ability to self-observe one’s own fortitude and…
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The Heart of Healing: The Power of Relationships
The Heart of Healing: The Power of Relationships Time and time again, I am reminded of the most crucial element in therapeutic healing: the relationship. Without this foundation, techniques become futile, mere shadows of what true healing can be. It begs the question: why is this so often overlooked? We tend to underestimate the profound…
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Transcendence: The Journey Towards Meaning and Hope
Transcendence: The Journey Towards Meaning and Hope The aspiration for meaning in the complexities of life never fails to challenge the individual. Just as swiftly as the sun rises, so too do the well-intended souls seek to resurrect themselves from their circumstances, striving to address, resolve, and ultimately overcome the foreboding and ever-looming shadows that…
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Navigating the Shadows: The Ego and the Quest for Meaning
Navigating the Shadows: The Ego and the Quest for Meaning Life can be quite challenging. Doors close, and others open. Even though the doors that are opening may lead to better opportunities, the lower nature of the ego remains steadfastly challenged by the closing of the previous door. It is a complex dance of emotions,…
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Embracing the Journey: The Relentless Pursuit of Meaning
Embracing the Journey: The Relentless Pursuit of Meaning Time and time again, I have witnessed the prevalence and significance of having meaning in life. We are often confronted with difficulties, adversity, challenges, and the weight of depression. In the isolation that accompanies feelings of being overwhelmed, we may forget the possibilities that lie dormant beyond…
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Embracing the Journey: The Art of Decision-Making
Embracing the Journey: The Art of Decision-Making There comes a time in every person’s journey when a significant decision must be made. In this moment, one can reevaluate all the pros and cons, weighing each option carefully. The mind may whisper, urging caution against impulsivity, as you wait for emotions to settle like leaves drifting…
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Restoring Humanity in Healing: The Call for Compassionate Care
Restoring Humanity in Healing: The Call for Compassionate Care Where is the humanity when a physician calls a patient a “loser patient”? Where is the ethics rooted in the Hippocratic oath when one perceives patients through such derogatory lenses? This question unveils a profound power differential between the provider and the individual seeking care. Notice…
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The Quest for Purpose: Transforming Pain into Meaning
The Quest for Purpose: Transforming Pain into Meaning In the pursuit of meaning and purpose, the story of an older man who has traversed the halls of treatment centers countless times becomes particularly poignant. He approaches each clinical session with a hesitance, a guarded heart shaped by past experiences. This aversion stems from a painful…
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The Alchemy of Memory: Transforming Trauma into Meaning
The Alchemy of Memory: Transforming Trauma into Meaning The notion of re-processing memories from a Logotherapeutic perspective offers a captivating angle on the technique. In facilitating meaning-provoking questions, one can truly reframe or evoke the empowerment of clients. Consider the question: “What new meaning can you associate with this event?” This inquiry allows individuals to…
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From Suffering to Self: A Journey Toward Authenticity
From Suffering to Self: A Journey Toward Authenticity An opening experience unfolded for a client today, who has been trapped in a cycle of panic and anxious distress. This individual finds themselves oscillating between various agitated states, shifting from one mentality to another, embodying the complexities of a borderline bipolar existence. Diagnosed with a co-occurring…
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Awakening the Threads of Synchronicity: A Journey Beyond Reality’s Veil
Awakening the Threads of Synchronicity: A Journey Beyond Reality’s Veil In the clinical setting, the nature of synchronicity unfolds like a wondrous phenomenon, a magnificent dance of chance or meaning that we have the privilege to witness. Do we call them synchronicities, serendipities, or perhaps random absurdities of mindless occurrences of chance that challenge our…
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Illuminating the Depths: A Journey Beyond the Ego
Illuminating the Depths: A Journey Beyond the Ego There’s always room to go deeper. Since the beginning of time, humanity has been tasked with this profound journey. I’m reminded of the biblical story of Enoch, the son of Cain, who, according to legend, was a master builder and one of the first architects of the…
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Embracing the Essence: The Art of Therapeutic Presence
Embracing the Essence: The Art of Therapeutic Presence What is the nature of therapeutic presence? Therapeutic presence should not be underestimated. It is a vital essence that transcends mere intellect. A person may possess extensive theoretical knowledge and technical skills, yet still lack this profound presence. More often than not, those equipped with intellect and…
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Embracing Our Humanity: The Journey to Self-Realization
Embracing Our Humanity: The Journey to Self-Realization Human beings can be such savages, barbaric and primitive. This reality considerably complicates the self-actualization process of an individual seeking connection and meaning. It presents barriers in the existential journey of understanding why things unfold the way they do, often complicating the trauma resolution found in healing. Many…
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The Space Between: Embracing Acceptance Amidst Walls
The Space Between: Embracing Acceptance Amidst Walls Some people have emotional walls, barriers that stand tall and unyielding. There’s nothing you can do to change this reality. You might choose to self-disclose, hoping to pave the way for a more comfortable and open dialogue. You can attempt to normalize the conversation, striving to increase the…
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The Therapeutic Relationship is Essential
The Therapeutic Relationship is Essential “The development of a therapeutic relationship is essential “because clinical evidence suggests that the relationship is one of the largest and most consistent factors predicting [a] successful outcome of counseling” (Leibert et al., 2006, p. 70). Freud was one of the first to identify that the relationship between the counselor…
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Kindness as Strength: The Hidden Priesthood of Humanity
Kindness as Strength: The Hidden Priesthood of Humanity In a world often predatory, many may confuse kindness for weakness, cloaked as it is in the veils of ignorance that shroud society. It is not my intention to sound pessimistic or holier than thou; rather, a glance at history reveals a truth: the wisemen, philosophers, sages,…
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Embracing Loss: The Path to Acceptance and Freedom
Embracing Loss: The Path to Acceptance and Freedom An interesting situation and a profound question were posed to me recently. A person shared the ongoing grief of losing a parent, as well as a sorrow compounded by the perplexing challenge of their sibling choosing to sever their relationship upon the parent’s passing. In that moment,…
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Embracing the Call of Truth: Transforming Pain into Wisdom
Embracing the Call of Truth: Transforming Pain into Wisdom When truth calls to you, there is no going back. In moments when pain strikes and distress consumes, it becomes vital to shift our focus. Instead of asking, “Why is this happening to me?” we must embrace the principle of Logotherapy: “What is life asking of…
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The Journey of a Gatekeeper: Shaping Professional Counseling
The Journey of a Gatekeeper: Shaping Professional Counseling The journey has been shaped by an interwoven series of experiences that have cultivated the understanding of the role of the professional counselor, educator, and supervisor. While many professions may fall under the broad umbrella of “helping professionals,” none, in my view, carry the informed gracefulness found…
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Receptivity and Resistance: The Duality of Human Engagement
Receptivity and Resistance: The Duality of Human Engagement Working with people can be more challenging than helping or saving them. The key difference lies in the willingness of those seeking help; they are often open and receptive to intervention. When individuals have hit rock bottom, they become ready to receive support, as their self-esteem and…
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Threads of Ingenuity: Humanity’s Battle Against Barbarism
Threads of Ingenuity: Humanity’s Battle Against Barbarism The impeccable reality of truth is often dictated by those who write history. In other words, history is penned by those who wield the power of the ink. This narrative is invariably imposed by those who possess the authority, raising an essential question: how can power dynamics be…
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Navigating the Shadows: Sibling Rivalry and the Quest for Self-Realization
Navigating the Shadows: Sibling Rivalry and the Quest for Self-Realization I was asked an interesting question: how is it that siblings can inflict pain on each other? With the passage of years, these once-close companions can morph into bitter enemies, refusing to talk, refusing to reconcile, and failing to recognize the profound benefits of reaching…
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Embracing the Depths: The Art of Non-Judgment in Healing
Embracing the Depths: The Art of Non-Judgment in Healing I was asked an interesting question by a client: “So, you judge for a living?” My response was clear—“no, I absolutely do not judge.” He then asked, almost in disbelief or skepticism—“how can you not? Isn’t judging a normal part of being human? Everyone judges, after…
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Finding Harmony: Navigating the Landscape of Auditory Hallucinations
Finding Harmony: Navigating the Landscape of Auditory Hallucinations When working with someone experiencing active auditory hallucinations, the pressing question becomes: what is your realistic goal? Engaging with the individual can be a challenge, as they may be deeply distracted, lost in a dialogue with the myriad voices that populate their mind. It’s as if they…
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Reflections on Conflict: A Journey Through the Human Condition
Reflections on Conflict: A Journey Through the Human Condition An interesting topic presented in session was the nature of human affairs: Why is there so much conflict? Why are human beings bred with a tendency toward hypocrisy, ignorance, and a design that seems inherently predisposed to conflict? It’s almost as if, on average, human beings…
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Whispers of Change: Embracing Pain to Find Possibility
Whispers of Change: Embracing Pain to Find Possibility “No, I am not bipolar,” he asserted, his voice firm yet uncertain. He then danced around topics, his thoughts swirling like a song of flute and melody. “That’s what they say, but I don’t think I am,” he continued, circling about a lover’s quarrel with raging emotions,…
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Alien Whispers from the Cosmos: A Journey of Hope and Liberation
Alien Whispers from the Cosmos: A Journey of Hope and Liberation “Earth to outer space, can you hear me? Alien race to earthling, can you hear me?” Such are the words of a client who feels so out of place, as if he belongs to none of this world. He expresses a profound sense of…
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The Weight of Shame: A Journey Toward Redemption
The Weight of Shame: A Journey Toward Redemption The nature of shame and guilt profoundly impacts human cognitive and emotional functioning, shaping overall well-being. Such distress of shame can be seen in the subtle affects and emotional imprints that individuals carry as they enter the counseling session. It often feels like a building crescendo, a…
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From Rigidity to Resilience: A Journey Through the Shadows of OCPD
From Rigidity to Resilience: A Journey Through the Shadows of OCPD In the quest for healing, the individual grappling with Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) finds themselves ensnared in a fixation—an unyielding desire for their attachment needs to be met. Without these perceived connections, the world shrinks to a stark canvas of black and white, where…
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The Altar of Devotion: Awakening the Spirit of Truth
The Altar of Devotion: Awakening the Spirit of Truth Before the fires that dances, the master is found. This is a testament that speaks to the fiery element of life, that burns on the altar of devotion and found in the chambers of the heart. This ardor ignites not only the flames of passion but…
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The Sage’s Return: A Vow to Transcendence and Healing
The Sage’s Return: A Vow to Transcendence and Healing Historically, the more a sage self-realizes, the more they tend to withdraw from the unnecessary noise of society. This has been the case since the dawn of time. I would like to hypothesize that this phenomenon occurs because, as individuals pull away from the clamor within…
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Navigating the Storm: Finding Stability in Bipolar Rapid Cycling
Navigating the Storm: Finding Stability in Bipolar Rapid Cycling The assessment of a bipolar condition, particularly one characterized by severe rapid cycling, presents a formidable challenge. The mood shifts frequently throughout the day, creating a tumultuous landscape of emotional highs and lows. Individuals often find themselves caught in a whirlwind, struggling to navigate the intense…
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Transcending the Ego: Finding Meaning Amidst Struggle
Transcending the Ego: Finding Meaning Amidst Struggle The ego, as a trapping of the self, compels the meaning seeker to distance themselves from their own self. When ensnared in the labyrinth of diagnostic comorbid conditions, one becomes self-absorbed, confined within a reality that is limited to their own experience. The path to liberation from this…
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Beyond the Horizon: The Journey of Awakening and Transformation
Beyond the Horizon: The Journey of Awakening and Transformation Is there any truth to the notion that one may open gates into other worlds, potentially intensifying mental health symptoms? This idea seems to resonate within the realm of mystical practices, where the awakening of the kundalini is often approached with caution. Many in the East…
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Transcending the Mind: A Journey to Humility and Understanding
Transcending the Mind: A Journey to Humility and Understanding I recently engaged in a profound conversation with a mentor about the communication challenges that arise between those who are spiritually inclined and those who are not. Often, the most significant barrier we face is the human mind itself. The illusion of the human mind leads…
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Illuminating the Path: The Transformative Power of Service
Illuminating the Path: The Transformative Power of Service To be of service is the greatest gift—a luminous beacon illuminating the path when there is a reason to keep on living, a reason to keep on giving. It is a purpose that transcends all limitations, a calling that compels one to rise above the confines of…
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Embracing the Paradox: The Power of Belief in a Chaotic World
Embracing the Paradox: The Power of Belief in a Chaotic World It is important to believe in something. If you believe in nothing, then what, exactly, is the basis of your thoughts to live according to? At the most fundamental level, it is emphasized in cognitive-behavioral therapy the significance of remaining self-aware of your thoughts.…
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Rekindling Dreams: A Journey from Darkness to Hope
Rekindling Dreams: A Journey from Darkness to Hopes Another case unfolds, a man with a story both challenging and poignant. He grapples with severe, persistent mental illness, accompanied by a long-term history of alcohol and substance abuse— the worst kind of substance abuse that opens the door to a myriad of mental health conditions, including…
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Navigating the Shadows: A Journey of Healing and Hope
Navigating the Shadows: A Journey of Healing and Hope There’s an interesting case of a well-motivated client whose journey, though fraught with challenges, reveals a profound struggle beneath the surface. On some level, you can tell he is trying, but he bears the weight of a severe and persistent history of intensive psychiatric treatment. In…
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Seeking Clarity: Navigating the Art of Communication
Seeking Clarity: Navigating the Art of Communication The ambiguity of misunderstanding invites a clarification that is worthy of exploration. If you find yourself unsure, simply ask the question that seeks to bring clarity. Clarification questions are honest attempts to understand where the other person is coming from, what they are trying to convey, what they…
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Embracing Clarity: The Art of Letting Go in Relationships
Embracing Clarity: The Art of Letting Go in Relationships Some relationships naturally outgrow themselves, revealing a profound truth: “When it hurts more to be with than to be without, that’s when you know it is time to let it go.” This adage, often heard in recovery settings, applies not only to addictions but also to…
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Navigating the Tumultuous Path to Personal Truth
Navigating the Tumultuous Path to Personal Truth In the modern age, we find ourselves entangled in a complex series of affairs, each demanding our attention and perseverance. This intricate web of experiences serves as more reason for individuals to endure and actively participate in the pursuit of their own truth. The quest for meaning is…
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The Eternal Quest for Meaning in Suffering
The Eternal Quest for Meaning in Suffering Since the beginning of time, human beings have always sought to answer the profound questions related to suffering, endeavoring to uncover the nature and essence of this universal experience. We ask ourselves: Why do we suffer? What is the true nature of our suffering? What is the origin…
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Unveiling the True Self: A Journey to Authentic Freedom in Recovery
Unveiling the True Self: A Journey to Authentic Freedom in Recovery In the beginning of treatment, individuals often find themselves teetering between resistance and excitement, motivated or unmotivated, as they embark on the journey of recovery. This journey is not only a recovery of the true self but also a disentanglement from external influences that…
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Eternal Watch: The Divine Tapestry of Existence
Eternal Watch: The Divine Tapestry of Existence: A Musing In the tapestry of existence, the gods are with us, transcending the mortal realm of man. These forces beyond comprehension interplay in a cosmic masterpiece, weaving through the dynamic interlude between creation, preservation, transformation, and death. Their presence is felt beyond the boundaries of our everyday…
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Finding Hope Amidst Chaos: A Journey Toward Stability and Resilience
Finding Hope Amidst Chaos: A Journey Toward Stability and Resilience Some stories are indeed very sad, and some people have truly suffered. Imagine being in your mid-40s, having spent a lifetime in and out of hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and drug treatment centers. This is a life marked by instability, where one grapples with a relentless…
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Awakening to Destiny: A Tale of Serendipity and Reconnection
Awakening to Destiny: A Tale of Serendipity and Reconnection How do you know something is meant to be when it happens? You will know by the way it unfolds, and by how it feels. By the way your heart flutters in the dark. For those familiar with the movie The Matrix, especially the most recent…
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Threads of Potential: Navigating the Tapestry of Human Consciousness
Threads of Potential: Navigating the Tapestry of Human Consciousness The fabric of reality is a complex tapestry, interwoven into multiple dimensions through numerous intersections that erupt and blossom in various directions. This is what is known as the flower of life. It is within this intricate fabric of possibilities where the genome fueled by human…
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Awakening the Transcendent: A Journey of Illumination
Awakening the Transcendent: A Journey of Illumination The Transcendent comes to you, inviting you into an awakening. It comes reminding you of the path toward illumination, a journey that beckons from the depths of the noetic. Through you, the Transcendent speaks the words of meaning and wisdom, guiding you with insights that challenge the conventional…
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The Dance of Understanding: Finding Clarity in Uncertain Actions
The Dance of Understanding: Finding Clarity in Uncertain Actions In the intricate dance of human interaction, understanding another’s thoughts, feelings, and true motives can often feel like an elusive pursuit. Within the depths of their own minds, individuals frequently juggle a myriad of interests—interests that are often conflicting and lead to indecision or uncertainty. In…
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Prayer for Divine Guidance and Resilience
Prayer for Divine Guidance and Resilience May the divine light of all that is loving and compassionate in this world have mercy upon this servant and healer of the great work. I ask of you, O divine Father and Mother, to keep me within your protection, guidance, and liberation. Clear away any negativity that seeks…
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The Conscious Cosmos: A Journey Through Existence
The Conscious Cosmos: A Journey Through Existence Let us pause for a moment and consider the universe of existence as if it possessed consciousness. Many scientists, individuals, and mystics alike would contend that this consciousness arises from the perfect order and symmetry woven into the fabric of everything. In this grand cosmic clockwork, let us…
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Envisioning True Love: A Journey of the Heart
Envisioning True Love: A Journey of the Heart In a noetic encounter, someone asked me, “How do you know it’s love?” At that moment, all I could say was this: True love is when you see that person and you can’t help but want to be around them. It’s when you envision a lifetime in…
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Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: A Journey of Humility and Enlightenment
Standing on the Shoulders of Giants: A Journey of Humility and Enlightenment “We must learn from the wisdom of the ancients,” this timeless axiom serves as a reminder that the research of the present day is built upon the foundations laid by the past. To keep research relevant, however, one must study not only the…
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Quantum Encounters: The Journey to Wholeness and Holiness
Quantum Encounters: The Journey to Wholeness and Holiness In the realm of all experiences, there lies an encounter—a meeting akin to a star that erupts when two authentic connections intertwine on a noetic or even quantum level. It is a moment when the shared fabric of reality between two individuals is accurately mirrored in their…
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The Power of Words: Transforming Care through Compassionate Communication
The Power of Words: Transforming Care through Compassionate Communication Is it too much to ask for TLC in treatment and counseling? The way we use our words, our descriptive factors, and traits in describing the individuals we serve—especially in the care and coordination of treatment—makes all the difference. I would like to highlight the vital…
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Embodying Authenticity: The Path to Unveiling Truth
Embodying Authenticity: The Path to Unveiling Truth Time and time again, I am reminded by the age-old proverbial wisdom that if you truly embody the values and principles of non-judgment, unconditional positive regard, empathy, compassion, and unconditional love, then a profound transformation occurs. In the presence of your clients, they will feel this authenticity and…
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Whirling Minds: The Dance of Obsession and Distress
Whirling Minds: The Dance of Obsession and Distress Round and about they go, in obsessions and ruminations, over and over again. Repetitions, perseverations, and fixations whirl without control over the chaotic commotion of a mind obsessed and in disarray. Over and over, the same topic is discussed, with no deviation achieved. The symptoms persist, obsessively.…
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The Ironic Dance of Aid: Discovering Truth in Unexpected Places
The Ironic Dance of Aid: Discovering Truth in Unexpected Places It is quite ironic when the helpers find themselves needing more assistance than the patients who come seeking aid. This irony unfolds like a delicate dance between subjective experiences, where one might ponder the truth of one reality against another. Yet, amidst this dance, there…
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Illuminating the Shadows Within: Navigating the Dynamics of Ego and Expectation
Illuminating the Shadows Within: Navigating the Dynamics of Ego and Expectation In the world we live in, a world full of challenges, expectations vary as much as the stars in the night sky. People, like constellations, have different models and different goals. When you work too much, you may find yourself exceeding the standards set…
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Navigating the Depths of Despair: Understanding Depression
Navigating the Depths of Despair: Understanding Depression Feeling disconnected from one’s purpose in life can feel so empty, and even more so, when heightened by isolation; leaving a person in the despair of their own depression with a feeling of torturous emptiness, staring away into the ceiling. I can understand and empathize with this despair.…
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The Art of Manipulation: Balancing Power and Compassion
The Art of Manipulation: Balancing Power and Compassion In the intricate dance of human interaction, many people engage in the subtle art of manipulation. This often involves leveraging resources, power dynamics, and strategic cunning to achieve specific goals or desires. But as we navigate these complex waters, a critical question arises: Do the means justify…
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The Concept of Sin and Living Authentically
The Concept of Sin and Living Authentically I’ve been reflecting on the classic concept of sin. As someone committed to self-empowerment and the empowerment of others through therapy, I typically abhor any notion that degrades the value of the human self. However, when reconsidering the idea of sin from another perspective, I realize that not…
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Can Spirituality and Psychotherapy Coexist?
Can Spirituality and Psychotherapy Coexist? Absolutely, they can. In the realm of professional counseling, the integration of spirituality and psychotherapy has become increasingly recognized and valued. I was recently discussing this with my dear mentor and friend, Dr. T. She shared that, in the past, mentioning spirituality in a therapeutic session was frowned upon. However,…
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Finding Light in the Darkness
Finding Light in the Darkness: A Message to Seekers This article is dedicated to a couple of people who are desperately searching for answers. I want you to know that you are not alone in this quest. Many of us are on this journey, seeking deeper understanding and meaning. In those darkest moments, when the…
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Why I Am a Logotherapist?
Why I Am a Logotherapist? Many people ask me why I chose to become a logotherapist. The answer lies in my first encounter with Dr. Viktor Frankl’s book, “Man’s Search for Meaning.” When I read it, I felt an overwhelming sense of familiarity—as if I had found my intellectual and philosophical home. Dr. Frankl’s way…
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A Tribute to Dr. T
A Tribute to Dr. T Throughout my career, I have met many wonderful people, but there is one particular person for whom I am especially grateful: Dr. T. From the very beginning, she believed in me, even during the challenging early days of my career in the community mental health sector. Her encouragement, motivation, and…
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The Joy and Sacred Mission of Professional Counseling
The Joy and Sacred Mission of Professional Counseling As I write these posts, I often reflect on the numerous cases and many individuals who have sought my help. With all my heart, I genuinely desire to assist them. There is immense joy in giving oneself for the betterment of others. The art and science of…
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The Meaning of Life
The Meaning of Life: A Journey of Contemplation The question, “What is the meaning of life?” is one of the most ancient and profound inquiries that human beings have pursued. It reflects our intrinsic desire to understand our purpose and existence. We often find ourselves pondering, “Why am I here? What is it that I…
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You are not alone
To my neighbors that are struggling, I want you to know that you are not alone. Although we may not know each other and perhaps we don’t help enough, I’d like to believe that in our heart of hearts we do care. There is great potential. Although that may not help you in the here…
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‘Capturing the Miraculous’
There’s a concept that works well for me and it is called ‘Capturing the Miraculous.’ For example, this tree and its branches caught my eye. The way it expands over the skies and heavens. The intricacies of the details. The art in nature is quite revealing. It’s reminds me of pulmonary arteries and veins. Interesting…
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Newsletter from the The Logotherapy Association In Israel
Association Newsletter #52April 2024 Nisan 5784 Dear Logotherapy Community, “The meaning of life is absolute and unconditional because it encompasses also the potential meaning of inevitable suffering.” Viktor Frankl We want to wish you a Happy Passover. Since October 7th and progressively as time passes, we ask ourselves, how can we celebrate and be happy? How can…
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Capturing the Miraculous
On a walk around our beautiful neighborhood and capturing the little miracles of life. A charming little red-bellied woodpecker, embodying the inherent elegance of nature. Sometimes we are so caught up in the everyday humdrum, we overlook the incredible allurement right under our eyes. Just feeling grateful. I hope we can succeed at cultivating a…
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Existential Challenges According to Irvin Yalom and Viktor Frankl
Existential Challenges According to Irvin Yalom and Viktor Franklby Batya Yaniger, PsyD, Logotherapist & Head Trainer of the Viktor Frankl Institute of Logotherapy in Israel Irvin Yalom lists four existential challenges: the challenge of death, the challenge of freedom, the challenge of isolation and the challenge of meaning (Becoming Myself: A Psychiatrist’s Memoir). We find…
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Self Transcedence
As a spiritual existentialist and logotherapist, I advocate and appreciate the individual pursuit of meaning. I am always in awe of the relentless seeking that many intentionally set on and their quest to understand existence, along with the triumphs they attain. The pursuit of meaning is the essential humanity latent within all of us, a…
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The Return to Innocence
If you are a child of the 80s and 90s, you must have heard the song by Enigma, ‘The Return to Innocence.’ One of my favorite songs by the way. It’s a fabulous integration of Native American chanting and truly meaningful lyrics. I am reminded of the key phrase, ‘the return to innocence.’ Many may…
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Through the heart is the only way we can save ourselves
Recently, I’ve been witnessing a lot of social division over politics. Nothing new. Some of these issues are very real and threatening for many, and my heart truly goes out to the suffering, and to the innocent. I do not wish to present myself to be holier than thou or aloof in some ivory tower…
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Sometimes the hardest task is to ‘let go’
Sometimes the hardest task for people to do is to ‘let go’. To know when it is time to let go of relationships that no longer serve you. The average tendency seems to be, to wait for things to go really unhealthy and toxic before you tell someone ‘it’s time to let go of the…
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If there is no more meaning, there is no more drive
When sometimes goals or situations are not going as you hope, a damping feeling of failure may seem to creep in. If these hopes for progress have anything to do with people, then those moments of lack of progress, may then induce feelings of rejection or abandonment, or another reference from an early childhood trauma…
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Cup Half Full vs Half Empty
How much of this is so true that when people say “oh how the times have changed“ or “things are not the way they used to be”, how much of these statements are indicative of our own internal experience of our life now, compared to what it used to be. Almost implying as if the…
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Meaning can be elusive
Meaning can be elusive. Sometimes the more you grasp at it, the more it eludes you. Especially in the emptiness of the mundane, where nothing substantiates the desires of an infirmed, vulnerable, aging, and inevitable mortality. The only fulfillment capable of satiating the thirst of the existential, is the depth of the Transcendent found in…
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Dr. Viktor Frankl on the Moon
I generated through AI some pictures depicting the great Dr. Viktor Frankl on the Moon, about to fish the individual from the existential vacuum (the mundane represented by the terrestrial earth plane), through the journey of Logotherapy (the fishing), into Self Transcendence (represented by the reflective luminescence of the Moon). I hope you enjoy. In…
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Unconscious Religiousness
“Existential Analysis has uncovered within the spiritual unconscious, unconscious religiousness.” This unconscious religiousness is a “latent relation to transcendence inherent in man.” May be conceived as a relationship between the “imminent self and the transcendent thou.” Also highlighting a point Dr. Batya shared, where one differentiates what “is” and what “ought to be.” “However one…
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Change and Growth
Everything in life is subject to change. If growth is the aim, then what in your heart do you wish to change? In order to change your flaws, you must focus on this. In order to compel growth, you must endure and embrace this single aim. Your Truth, your Ultimate Meaning, will always prevail. Just…
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The Six Vertices & Cardinal Points of the Octahedron
Logotherapy recommends exploring experiential and creative values, so as a personal interest, this article will attempt to analyze the geometric and quantum components of the six vertices and cardinal points of the Octahedron. Invoking the six vertices and cardinal points of the Octahedron is typically a meditative exercise found in esoteric traditions: “Before Me, Behind…
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Going Deeper into Meaning
I’ve been called to go deeper into my work. To focus on something on a very fundamental level, which prompts me to reflect: What good is all the power in the world if something in your foundation is at fault. It is like continuing to build levels to the Tower of Babel in attempting to…
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Musings on Truth
Truth glimmers through the mind of man, a truth sublime. How can Truth attest to one, if one has not attested to Truth. When you find your truth, you find your God. In discovering what’s meaningful for you, you discover your Truth. For your Meaning will lead you to your Truth, and your ultimate Truth…
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Welcome
Welcome to this blog and home page dedicated to the study and research of Logotherapy, Spiritual Existentialism, and Meaning. Some of the posts will be academic in nature, related to my current studies as a PhD Student in Counselor Education and Supervision. I am a licensed psychotherapist in private practice, as well as a Student-Diplomate…
Logotherapy Research Group South Florida
A study group dedicated to the research and discussion of Logotherapy, Spiritual Existentialism, and Meaning.
Logotherapy Research Group South Florida 