Exploring Existential Questions with Clients: Helping them Find Meaning and Purpose.

Hello fellow social workers! What is your therapeutic lens?  Most of us don’t ever have the conversation in graduate school.  We are exposed to many different theories and interventions.  I do not remember a conversation about what my therapeutic lens and  `scaffold’ would be to teach clients that it is foundational to explore our enculturated beliefs and if they still serve us at specific times in our lives.

My lens is existential, holistic, and mindful self-compassionate.  My `scaffold’ is to teach all my clients about their nervous system, shock states and how to release reactions to their ANS responses before we even dive into their story.

As we continue on our journey of advocating for mental health and providing aid to those in need, it's important to acknowledge the myriad of challenges we face as social workers. Some of the most significant obstacles are presented when we address the deeply profound, existential questions posed by our clients. These questions - exploring life, purpose, and meaning - form an essential part of their self-discovery and healing process. Today, we delve into this intriguing, and at times, confounding arena of existential questions.

Understanding Existential Questions: The Root of Our Being

Existential questions are not anomalies that emerge out of the blue. They are an intrinsic part of the human experience and are usually born out of an internal exploration of life's purpose, freedom and its responsibilities, the inevitability of death, and the experience of existential isolation. These concerns can be deeply ingrained, often looming over an individual's conscious and subconscious mind. And while they can be intimidating, they also provide a profound opportunity for personal growth and self-awareness.

These concerns vary from person to person, largely depending on their experiences and worldviews. However, some underlying themes remain constant. The burden of choice that comes with the freedom to shape one's life, for instance, is a widespread existential concern. This burden can often induce anxiety, as clients wrestle with decision-making and confront the fear of making the wrong choices.

Existential isolation, another common theme, stems from the stark realization that each person's experiences are inherently individual. This realization can lead to feelings of disconnection, as clients struggle with feeling misunderstood or find it challenging to relate to others.

The search for meaning in life is yet another existential issue that many individuals grapple with. These questions can trigger a crisis of meaning, leading clients to question the point of their existence.

The inevitability of death, a reality that all human beings must face, is another existential concern that can trigger fear and anxiety. Death, being a universal yet profoundly personal experience, can significantly affect a person's outlook and approach towards life.

An Empathetic Approach: Addressing Existential Questions

As social workers, we are often tasked with helping our clients navigate these existential waters. The depth and breadth of these concerns necessitate an empathetic, compassionate, and patient approach.

Active listening forms the cornerstone of our approach. To help our clients, we must first understand their concerns and the emotions associated with them. Active listening involves providing our full attention to the client, acknowledging their feelings, and ensuring that they feel heard and understood. This also includes giving them the space to express their concerns without interruption or judgment.

Alongside active listening, validation plays a critical role. Existential concerns can often be disconcerting and unsettling. When clients share these concerns, validating their feelings can provide them with comfort and reassurance. It's important to let them know that it's perfectly normal and okay to question, to seek, and to sometimes not have all the answers.

While we listen and validate, we must also facilitate exploration and introspection. This can be achieved through open-ended questions that encourage clients to delve deeper into their thoughts and feelings. Asking questions such as, "What does that mean for you?" or "How does that make you feel?" can open up new avenues of exploration and help clients express their fears, hopes, and dilemmas.

While listening and questioning, it's crucial to remember our role. We are not here to provide answers, but rather, to guide our clients towards discovering their unique interpretations and meanings. Reflecting their words and thoughts back to them can be a powerful tool in this process. It not only reinforces that we are listening and understanding, but it also offers clients a fresh perspective, which can lead to new insights or realizations.

Navigating the Journey: The Impact of Existential Conversations

The process of exploring existential concerns is not just about addressing these daunting questions. It's about walking alongside our clients as they navigate their existential journeys, fostering an environment where they feel safe to question, explore, and grow.

This journey of exploration can lead to enhanced self-awareness, where clients gain a deeper understanding of their values, beliefs, and motivations. With this understanding, they can make life decisions that align with their values and aspirations, leading to a more fulfilling life.

Moreover, grappling with existential issues often acts as a catalyst for personal growth. As clients navigate life's uncertainties and complexities, they develop emotional resilience, which equips them to face future challenges with greater courage and less anxiety.

I find these existential discussions facilitate healing. Clients who are able to express, explore, and come to terms with their existential concerns often experience emotional breakthroughs, which contribute to their overall mental health.

In conclusion, the journey of addressing existential questions with clients may be challenging, but it is a journey filled with potential for profound personal growth. By creating a safe space for exploration, validating our clients' feelings, and guiding their self-discovery, we can help them find the meaning and purpose they seek in their lives.

Remember, this journey is not one we undertake alone. We are a community, tied together by our shared commitment to facilitating well being. Let us continue to learn from each other, support each other, and grow together. As we conclude this piece, we encourage you to share your experiences and insights navigating existential discussions in the comments below. You never know, your contribution might be the spark that another colleague needs!