Logotherapy In The Shawshank Redemption

The legendary German philosopher, Friedrich Nietzche once said, “To live is to suffer, to survive is to find some meaning in the suffering.” Viktor Frankl, a psychologist who also spoke German, most likely knew this phrase when he was first imprisoned by Nazi Germany in the 1940’s. Prior to his imprisonment but following some correspondence and mentorship under Sigmund Freud, Frankl began researching a new form of psychotherapy. The Third Viennese School of Psychotherapy, more commonly called Logotherapy, ties psychology and philosophy together by focusing on “the meaning of human existence as well as on man’s search for such a meaning” (Frankl, 1959, p. 92). Logotherapy was created by Frankl before his experiences in the Holocaust, but it was expanded due to his time suffering amongst his fellow man. Logotherapy is a more subjective form of therapy which differs from Freud’s psychoanalysis, but its significance should not be ignored. Even though many doubt Logotherapy’s viability due to its philosophical nature, Logotherapy could be a

They understood the meaning of their suffering, and took responsibility for their freedoms. The purpose of Logotherapy, is to show people that they have the ability to hope. The ability seems simple, but so many forget that they can hope. They lose hope in their relationships, careers, futures, and lives. Viktor Frankl did not lose hope when he was imprisoned in the worst of conditions, because he knew that he still held the ability to make his life into what he wanted it to be, even if he had to do so on a smaller scale. The simple fact that Frankl was able to do this in the most atrocious circumstance possible proves that Logotherapy is a useful form of