Existential empathy: A necessary condition for posttraumatic growth and wisdom in clients and therapists

Existential empathy – or the capacity to resonate with the client’s existential concerns – is an important condition for posttraumatic growth and for profound change. Existential empathy can help clients to bridge their existential isolation, to mourn about their lost meanings, to make sense of their lives, and to develop an awe-based attitude towards life. As the therapist shares the same existential reality with their client, empathy with the client’s ultimate concerns does not leave the therapist untouched. Through existential empathy, both client and therapist can find a way to embrace the ambiguity of life, the human condition, and awe-based wisdom.

Publication year:2022

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