Analysis Of Logotherapy: Discernment Of Meaning

This brings us to three ways, according to logotherapy, that we can find meaning in life; namely through creating or doing something, through experiencing someone or something, or through our attitude toward unavoidable difficulties (Frankl, 1992). This will be elaborated on under the technique of discernment of meaning.
Various techniques are used by logotherapists, for example dereflection, which is aimed at redirecting attention from one’s problems to something more meaningful. This is useful when someone is extremely self-absorbed in a particular issue, and can involve helping them focus on others rather than themselves. A second technique is paradoxical intention, during which the patient is encouraged to wish for what they fear. For

Existential psychologist, Rollo May, saw it as being authoritarian in nature, in that it maintains that all problems have clear solutions and that Frankl simply provides patients with meaning if they can’t pinpoint their own. However, Frankl maintained that logotherapy teaches patients about their responsibility, rather than taking authority from them. (https://www.goodtherapy.org/learn-about-therapy/types/logotherapy). Some argue that the concepts which are at the core of logotherapy, namely meanings and values, are simply defence mechanisms and reaction formation. Frankl argued that one would not be willing to live or die for the sake of one’s defence mechanisms, but countless people have done so for the sake of meaning, thus meaning can’t simply be a defence mechanism. (Man’s search for meaning- Frankl). Another critic is that, whilst logotherapy can be effective in enhancing the well-being of individuals from different cultures, its underlying focus is on the meaning, purpose and psychological well-being of the individual. This is an individualistic outlook, with emphasis on the individual, as opposed to collectivistic cultures emphasis on community and the person’s role in it (Cherry, 2017). In my opinion, this can be addressed by adapting logotherapy for collectivistic cultures. This would involve shifting the focus from the individual’s needs and goals to the community’s needs and goals; thus, when discovering