What Psychologists Can Learn From Existentialism

Whether working in clinical, organizational, or coaching settings, psychologists are constantly engaging with questions of identity, meaning, freedom, and personal growth. While psychology often seeks to categorize and explain human behavior, existentialist philosophy challenges us to embrace ambiguity, responsibility, and the complexities of human existence. The ideas of Søren Kierkegaard, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Heidegger, and Simone de Beauvoir offer profound insights into self-development, authenticity, and the tensions between individual freedom and societal expectations.

Kierkegaard: Embracing Anxiety and Authenticity

Søren Kierkegaard (1813-1855) is often considered the father of existentialism. He emphasized the importance of subjective truth, arguing that each individual must find their own path rather than conforming to external norms. His ideas are particularly relevant to psychology in anxiety, authenticity, and self-realization.

Kierkegaard introduced the concept of “angst” (existential anxiety), describing it as the dizziness one experiences when confronted with limitless possibilities. Rather than seeing anxiety as something purely negative, he viewed it as a precondition for personal development.

Psychologists can learn from this by helping clients reframe anxiety not as a disorder to be eliminated but as a natural part of confronting one’s potential. For instance, in therapy, guiding individuals to see their fears of failure as opportunities for transformation rather than obstacles can be empowering.
Furthermore, Kierkegaard believed that true selfhood requires a leap of faith—choosing one’s values and committing to them, even in the absence of certainty.

For psychologists, this underscores the importance of helping clients develop a clear sense of personal values and the courage to act in alignment with them. Therapy should encourage clients to own their choices rather than defer to societal expectations.

Nietzsche: Self-Creation and Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900) was a radical thinker who challenged traditional moralities and encouraged individuals to create meaning. His concept of the “will to power” as a creative and explorative will speaks directly to psychologists who work with clients on motivation, resilience, and self-actualization.
Nietzsche rejected the idea of a fixed essence or destiny. Instead, he argued that people should actively shape their identities rather than passively accepting societal roles. He famously wrote: “That is now my way—where is yours? Thus I answered those who asked me ‘the way.’ For the way does not exist!” (Also Spoke Zarathustra)

Psychologists can apply this by helping clients develop agency over their lives rather than feeling trapped by past experiences, societal roles, or limiting beliefs. Instead of “finding themselves,” individuals must create or become themselves.

Nietzsche critiqued “slave morality”—a mindset where individuals define themselves based on external approval rather than internal strength. Many clients struggle with fear of others’ opinions, perfectionism, and seeking validation.

Psychologists can challenge these tendencies by encouraging self-acceptance and independent thinking. For example, helping clients differentiate between intrinsic motivations (e.g., personal growth, self-improvement) and extrinsic motivations (e.g., societal approval, material gain) can foster resilience and personal empowerment.

Heidegger: Living Authentically in the Face of Mortality

Martin Heidegger (1889-1976) explored authenticity, "being toward death," and embracing responsibility in our finite existence.

Heidegger argued that true freedom is not about endless choices but about owning one’s existence and making peace with who we are. He distinguished between “being at home” (Heimlich)—feeling aligned with one’s authentic self—and “not feeling at home” (unheimlich)—experiencing alienation and disconnection.

For psychologists, this means helping clients identify what truly matters to them, their core values and beliefs, so they can feel “at home” in their own lives rather than living according to imposed scripts.

Heidegger’s concept of “being toward death” suggests that we can live more fully by acknowledging mortality. Many people avoid thinking about death, but Heidegger believed that doing so leads to a more authentic, engaged existence.

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Psychologists can use this insight in existential therapy, helping clients confront their fears about mortality, not as something to be avoided but as a catalyst for living with more intention and meaning.

Simone de Beauvoir: Freedom and Authentic Relationships

Simone de Beauvoir (1908-1986) extended existentialist ideas into gender, relationships, and ethics. She explored how individuals create their identities through choices and how freedom is a personal responsibility and an ethical obligation to others.

Beauvoir rejected traditional, possessive notions of love and argued that true love is based on recognizing each other’s freedom. She wrote: “Authentic love is founded on the mutual recognition of two freedoms.” (The Second Sex)

Psychologists working with clients on relationships and self-worth can apply this by helping them recognize the difference between authentic connection (based on mutual respect) and codependency (based on control or neediness).

Beauvoir explored the tension between living for oneself and living for others. She warned that leaning too much into “being for others” leads to self-loss, while too much into “being for oneself” leads to selfish isolation.

Psychologists can help clients navigate this balance, ensuring they remain true to themselves while fostering healthy relationships.

Key Takeaways for Psychologists

1. Reframe Anxiety as Growth (Kierkegaard): By helping clients see anxiety not as something to eliminate but as a sign of potential transformation, psychologists can inspire them to embrace their fears and grow from them.
2. Encourage Self-Creation (Nietzsche): Psychologists play a crucial role in guiding individuals to actively shape their lives rather than conform to societal expectations, making them feel valued and integral to the process.
3. Foster Authenticity Through Responsibility (Heidegger): By helping clients feel “at home” in their own existence through making meaningful choices, psychologists can feel responsible and committed to their clients' well-being.
4. Promote Authentic Relationships (Beauvoir): Teach the value of mutual respect and intersubjective freedom in relationships.

By integrating these ideas into psychological practice, therapists, coaches, and counselors can help individuals to embrace their freedom, take responsibility for their lives, and ultimately create themselves. Existential thinkers encourage people to become the authors of their own lives—the only ones they have!