Existence in Context

Cross-Cultural Psychology

Understanding Existential Psychology in a Global Context

Louis Hoffman Ph.D. on March 8, 2026

"Existentialism" is a label first applied in the West, but it can and should rightly be recognized as emerging in various cultures around the globe.

"Existentialism" is a label first applied in the West, but it can and should rightly be recognized as emerging in various cultures around the globe.

Grief

The Contingencies of Grief

Louis Hoffman Ph.D. on December 7, 2025

The loss of significant people in our lives comes with many contingencies. Giving attention to these contingencies can facilitate our grieving and growth process.

The loss of significant people in our lives comes with many contingencies. Giving attention to these contingencies can facilitate our grieving and growth process.

Therapy

The Value of Mental Health in Western Culture

Louis Hoffman Ph.D. on August 25, 2025

Mental health in Western society has focused on individualist and neoliberal understandings of mental health. These can stigmatize individuals with other value systems.

Mental health in Western society has focused on individualist and neoliberal understandings of mental health. These can stigmatize individuals with other value systems.

Empathy

Why We Need Empathy

Louis Hoffman Ph.D. on March 12, 2025

This post responds to Elon Musk's comment, “The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy,” by considering the value of empathy individually and socially.

This post responds to Elon Musk's comment, “The fundamental weakness of Western civilization is empathy,” by considering the value of empathy individually and socially.

Therapy

Existential Therapy's Place in the Field of Psychotherapy

Louis Hoffman Ph.D. on March 3, 2025

Existential psychotherapy has had a profound, though often unacknowledged, impact on the field of psychology.

Existential psychotherapy has had a profound, though often unacknowledged, impact on the field of psychology.