Existential Therapists in 20039

Photo of Mary C Quigley, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 20039, DC
Mary C Quigley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Washington, DC 20039  (Online Only)
I enjoy working with couples, families, and individuals. My specialties include grief counseling, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and couples conflict. I have over 30 years of experience working with young adults in university settings and with individuals and couples in private practice. I have been the head clinician in an eating disorder and mood disorder clinic at a major university. I am particularly interested in working with clients who are struggling with low self worth and self loathing. I also have an expertise in working with gay couples.
I enjoy working with couples, families, and individuals. My specialties include grief counseling, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, and couples conflict. I have over 30 years of experience working with young adults in university settings and with individuals and couples in private practice. I have been the head clinician in an eating disorder and mood disorder clinic at a major university. I am particularly interested in working with clients who are struggling with low self worth and self loathing. I also have an expertise in working with gay couples.
(202) 417-2746 View (202) 417-2746

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Existential Therapists

How does existential therapy work?

Existential therapy focuses on a patient’s inner experiences. The therapist tries to help the individual comprehend and alleviate symptoms by exploring their interior life. By confronting negative disquiet and emotions, the individual will hopefully become more open to finding meaning and purpose. This therapy can be administered to individuals or groups.

Is existential therapy evidence-based?

Existential therapy is an evidence-based practice. Research has determined that existential therapy can lead to significant improvement in the mental health of patients, and for some people it can be just as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy. The benefits of existential therapy are enduring, even long after treatment has ended.

How long does existential therapy last?

The goal of existential therapy is to understand a person’s internal experiences, which may sound like a lengthy process, but it does not have to be so in-depth. However, sessions are not short-term, and therapy can continue for months or up to a year. And because patients learn the theory behind existential therapy during treatment, they can also practice its tenets throughout life after therapy sessions have been completed.

Is existential therapy effective?

According to research, many patients find success with existential therapy. Researchers note that the therapy is particularly useful in improving feelings of isolation, feelings of purposelessness, as well as conditions such as anxiety and depression. Improvements in problem areas can persist even after the end of existential therapy, as individuals can continue working on themselves by using the tools they’ve developed during treatment.