a life meaning crisis. Techniques like paradoxical intention, dereflection and orientation towards meaning are used to help patients cope with meaning crises that lead to despair, aimlessness, depression or addiction (Viktor 2003). FranklÆs chronicling of his holocaust experiences was aimed at helping people in despair understand that through active and direct processes they can orient themselves toward meaning and lead more fulfilling lives. As he wrote, ôI had wanted simply to convey to the reader by way of concrete example that life holds a potential meaning under any conditions, even the most miserable ones. And I thought that if the point were demonstrated in a situation as extreme as that in a concentration camp, my book might gain a hearing. I therefore felt responsible for writing down what I had gone through, for I thought it might be helpful to people who are prone to despairö (Holocaust 2003, 1).
I find FranklÆs Logotherapy to be an excellent therapy in the contemporary world. The tendency of capitalism and materialism to dehumanize, along with the increasing rejection of traditional religious dogma, leaves a void of meaning in the lives of many individual. FranklÆs Logotherapy asserts the freedom of will as the means of active and direct self-determinism that adds meaning to oneÆs existence. Free will posits a higher level of responsibility on the individual and in this his or her attitude is critical to freedom. Freedom is valuable when the individual exercises it responsibly in a way that pertains to inner feelings that lead to fulfillment. In ManÆs Search for Meaning, Frankl provides a discussion of Logotherapy and many others ideas central to his worldview and therapeutic framework. The following will provide excerpts from FranklÆs work in order for me to provide my reflection on various concepts and ideas central to his therapy.
ôEverything can be taken from a man but...the last of the human ...