This book speaks to the heart of familial influence and the weight of inherited guilt, themes I often encounter in therapy. Kafka's raw vulnerability helped me understand how our formative relationships shape our sense of self and how deeply the unspoken can affect us. It reinforced the importance of acknowledging unresolved emotional wounds and how they permeate our identities.
Kafka's portrayal of artistic obsession and isolation mirrors the existential conflict between individuality and the need for connection. As a therapist, this story is a constant reminder of how people may use performance and avoidance to escape deep emotional pain, and how the quest for meaning can sometimes lead to an even deeper alienation.
Fromm's exploration of the paradox of freedom resonated deeply with my work with clients facing existential anxiety. The idea that the more freedom we have, the more we may fear it, perfectly encapsulates the inner conflict many experience when confronting life's vast possibilities. This book challenged me to reflect on how often we avoid true freedom by conforming to societal roles and expectations.
Zweig’s examination of the mind’s fragility in the face of obsession offered valuable insight into how individuals can become consumed by intellectual pursuits or coping mechanisms. It reminded me of the role of control and surrender in my clients' struggles, and how our minds can betray us when we cling too tightly to one thing for meaning.
Jung’s exploration of the unconscious mind deepened my understanding of the forces at play beneath our conscious awareness. As an existential therapist, I often work with clients who are wrestling with repressed emotions, hidden fears, and unintegrated parts of themselves. Jung’s work has helped me approach these hidden aspects of the psyche with greater empathy and understanding.
Becker’s work on the human fear of death and our need to deny it in order to live meaningfully is profoundly relevant to my practice. Many of my clients grapple with the existential anxiety of mortality, and Becker’s writing has helped me frame these conversations with greater compassion and insight. His work underscores the importance of confronting death to live authentically.
Rilke's letters serve as a beautiful reminder of the value of solitude, introspection, and patience in the journey of self-discovery. His advice to the young poet to embrace uncertainty and trust the process resonates deeply with the existential belief in the necessity of suffering for growth. It has influenced how I guide clients toward accepting their inner turmoil as a source of transformation.
A Letter to a Military Man - Leo Tolstoy
Tolstoy’s critique of war and violence resonates with my work in helping clients understand the psychological costs of societal pressures and violence. His plea for peace and moral integrity has shaped my understanding of the destructive forces that come from blindly following authority, and how important it is to question these external demands for the sake of authentic living.
Beckett’s play perfectly encapsulates the existential experience of waiting—waiting for meaning, for answers, for salvation. The absurdity of existence that Beckett presents resonates with my clients' struggles to find purpose in an indifferent universe. The play challenges both the therapist and client to confront the emptiness and find meaning in the process itself, not in the end.
Kierkegaard’s exploration of faith and the leap into the absurd has been a vital part of my understanding of human courage in the face of the unknown. In therapy, I often encounter clients who wrestle with doubt and faith—whether in religion, love, or themselves. Kierkegaard’s emphasis on the paradoxical nature of faith has given me a new lens through which to view these struggles.
Every day, countless people struggle with their mental health but can’t afford the support they need. My mission is to make existential psychotherapy accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. By becoming a part of this meaningful project, you're not just supporting my work—you're helping people who are in desperate need of guidance, but lack the means to pay. With just a dollar, you can help make a profound difference in someone’s life. Join me in this mission and be part of something that truly matters. BE MY PATREON
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