Taking Back the Reins: Freedom and Responsibility in Therapy
In our daily lives, we often feel trapped by circumstances, expectations, or our own history. We say things like, "I have no choice," or "That's just the way I am." The existentialist philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre called this 'bad faith', the habit of lying to ourselves to avoid the overwhelming weight of our own freedom.
In my practice, we use these philosophical ideas to help you move toward a more authentic life:
Radical Responsibility: We explore the idea that while you are not responsible for what has happened to you, you are responsible for how you respond to it now. This shift from "victim" to "actor" is where true healing begins.
The Ethics of Freedom: Drawing on Simone de Beauvoir, we recognise that our freedom doesn't exist in a vacuum. She taught that "to will oneself free is also to will others free." In therapy, this means looking at how your choices impact your relationships and how living authentically allows those around you to do the same.
Creating Your Essence: Existentialism suggests that there is no "pre-set" version of you. You create who you are through your actions every single day.
Therapy is the space where you stop pretending you are a finished product and start choosing who you want to become.