Can existential philosophy improve your life? — Dr Natalie Fraser
Jan 5, 2025
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In this engaging discussion, Dr. Natalie Fraser, a counseling psychologist and the founder of the Global Existential Summit, dives deep into the transformative power of existential philosophy. She highlights how philosophy can enhance personal quality of life and urges listeners to question mainstream thinkers. Natalie introduces her HEALINGS framework for reducing suffering and emphasizes the dangers of idolizing philosophical figures. With her commitment to decolonizing existential thought, she invites a broader, more inclusive view of human experience.
Engaging with existential philosophy fosters curiosity and critical thinking, enhancing self-awareness and empowering individuals to challenge societal norms.
The exploration of personal values, influenced by existential philosophy, enables individuals to align their actions with their beliefs, leading to a more meaningful life.
Deep dives
The Influence of Socialization on Beliefs and Understanding
Socialization significantly shapes our beliefs and understanding of reality from an early age, beginning with family dynamics and extending to various societal influences such as religion and politics. This process fosters a tendency to seek external validation and answers, as individuals often feel inherently afraid of the uncertainties of life. Existential philosophy encourages individuals to challenge the origins of their beliefs and the information they consume, promoting a deeper self-awareness and empowerment. By questioning the societal norms and teachings imposed upon us, we can expand our understanding and enrich our existence significantly.
The Value of Engaging with Philosophy
Engaging with philosophy, especially existential philosophy, enhances our quality of life by fostering a philosophical attitude that encourages curiosity and critical thinking. This attitude, often innate in children, can be harnessed in adulthood to navigate the complexities of life, providing a framework for personal growth and self-reflection. Applying philosophical concepts can help individuals understand their experiences and interactions with the world, leading to profound insights and a deeper connection with oneself. The transformative power of philosophy lies in its ability to encourage ongoing questioning and exploration of one’s own beliefs and values.
Existential Psychotherapy: A Human-Centric Approach
Existential psychotherapy focuses on the unique meeting of two individuals, emphasizing the importance of understanding each person's reality and experiences within a therapeutic context. This approach encourages therapists to adopt a curious and phenomenological attitude, exploring multiple perspectives to enrich the therapeutic experience. As the field evolves, there is a growing discussion surrounding the application of existential philosophies within psychological frameworks, prompting a reconsideration of how therapeutic practices align with scientific methodologies. Ultimately, existential psychotherapy emphasizes the complexity of human existence, encouraging individuals to navigate their existence authentically and meaningfully.
Exploring Values and Their Impact on Life Choices
Values play a central role in existential philosophy and psychotherapy, influencing how individuals navigate their lives and relationships. Engaging with one's values invites a deeper awareness of choices, behaviors, and their impact on personal well-being and the well-being of others. This exploration often reveals how values shift over time and may differ from those imposed by society or significant figures in one's life. By consciously reflecting on values and aligning actions with them, individuals can cultivate a more meaningful existence, fostering connections and enriching their interactions with the world around them.
Dr Natalie Fraser is a counselling psychologist and the Founder of the Global Existential Summit, who has recently completed her doctorate in Existential Psychotherapy.
In this conversation, we explore:
— How engaging with philosophy can improve your quality of life
— The importance of going beyond mainstream existential philosophers like Sartre and Heidegger, and taking a wider view
— Why philosophy, and particularly existential philosophy, should come with a warning label
— Natalie’s HEALINGS acronym for reducing suffering.
And more.
You can learn more about Natalie’s work and get your free ticket for the Existential Summit by going to: https://existentialsummit.com.
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Dr Natalie Fraser is a Counselling Psychologist and writer specialising in trauma and sexual violence. She is committed to decolonizing the landscape of global existential philosophies, and founded Existential Offering and The Global Existential Summits.
You can learn more about her work at www.existentialofferings.com
and www.drnataliefraser.com
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Interview Links:
— Dr Fraser's website - https://drnataliefraser.com
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