What is Existential Coaching?

Discover the idea behind the fusion of Psychology and Philosophy.

WHY EXISTENTIAL COACHING WORKS

Existential Coaching is one of the few disciplines that dares to think beyond our boxes and scattered identities. It helps you think from scratch. Sometimes change is so

difficult to grasp because of our limiting perspectives. Existential Coaching helps you to think broader, more boldly.

THE FOUNDATIONS

Existential Psychology & Philosophy

Existential coaching is grounded in existential philosophy and psychology, emphasizing human freedom, responsibility, meaning-making, and authenticity. Its foundations include several key principles derived from existential thought:

1. Freedom & Responsibility

We have the freedom to shape our own lives, but with that comes the responsibility to make choices and own their consequences.
We are encouraged to embrace their autonomy and take control of our decisions rather than feeling like passive victims of circumstance.

2. Authenticity & Self-Awareness

Living authentically means aligning one's actions with personal values and beliefs rather than conforming to societal expectations.
I help you explore your true desires and motivations, fostering self-awareness and integrity.

3. Meaning & Purpose

Inspired by Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy, existential coaching helps individuals discover and create their own meaning in life.
The focus is not on finding an external "purpose" but on actively constructing a meaningful existence through choices and actions.

4. Anxiety & Uncertainty as Growth Opportunities

Existential anxiety - fear of the unknown, death, or making the wrong choices - is seen as a natural part of life.
Instead of avoiding discomfort, you learn to engage with uncertainty and use it as a catalyst for growth.

5. Relationships & Connection

We exist in a world shared with others, and our relationships shape our identity and meaning.
We explore how you relate to others in order to cultivate meaningful, fulfilling connections.

6. The Here and Now

While past experiences shape us, existential coaching focuses on the present and how choices today impact the future.
It encourages mindfulness and intentional living rather than dwelling on regrets or anxieties.

EVIDENCE BASED TECHNIQUES

Deeply rooted in Science

Existential coaching, while rooted in philosophy, also has strong scientific foundations, drawing from psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral science. Here are some of the key science-based aspects that support its effectiveness:

1. Neuroplasticity & Personal Growth

Neuroscience shows that the brain is capable of change throughout life (neuroplasticity).
Existential coaching encourages self-reflection and intentional decision-making, which can rewire neural pathways, strengthening positive thought patterns and adaptive behaviors.
Studies show that meaning-making activities can lead to lasting cognitive and emotional changes.

2. Positive Psychology & Meaning in Life

Existential coaching aligns with research in positive psychology, particularly in areas of well-being, resilience, and purpose.
Psychologist Martin Seligman identified "meaning" as a core pillar of well-being (PERMA model).
Research by Michael Steger and others has shown that people who experience greater meaning in life have better mental health, lower stress levels, and greater life satisfaction.

3. Existential Anxiety & Psychological Flexibility

Studies in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) support the idea that facing existential anxiety (fear of death, uncertainty, and choice) rather than avoiding it leads to greater psychological flexibility and well-being.
Research on Terror Management Theory (TMT) suggests that embracing rather than suppressing thoughts of mortality can lead to more authentic and value-driven living.

4. Self-Determination Theory (SDT)

Edward Deci & Richard Ryan’s Self-Determination Theory highlights three core psychological needs:

Autonomy – the ability to make meaningful choices.
Competence – feeling capable and effective.
Relatedness – forming deep, meaningful connections.

Existential coaching naturally supports these needs by helping clients take ownership of their lives, develop self-efficacy, and create fulfilling relationships.

5. Cognitive Behavioral Science & Reframing

Existential coaching incorporates cognitive reframing, a technique used in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), to help clients shift limiting beliefs and see challenges as opportunities.
Studies on cognitive reappraisal show that changing our interpretation of events can significantly reduce stress and improve emotional well-being.

6. The Role of Purpose in Health & Longevity

Research by Patricia Boyle and colleagues found that having a strong sense of purpose is linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer’s, greater longevity, and better physical health.
Ikigai (a Japanese concept of purpose) has been studied in Blue Zones (regions with the longest-living populations), showing a strong link between existential meaning and overall health.

REAL WORLD APPLICATIONS

Transformative Across Various Domains

Existential coaching has many real-world applications across personal growth, leadership, relationships, career transitions, and mental well-being. Here are some key ways it can be applied:

Areas of Impact

Business Coaching

Career Coaching

Helps leaders develop authentic leadership styles based on their core values.
Encourages ethical decision-making and personal responsibility.
Supports leaders in navigating uncertainty and change, fostering resilience.

Example:
A CEO struggling with burnout and workplace dissatisfaction might use existential coaching to redefine their leadership purpose, align their decisions with their values, and create a work culture that fosters meaning rather than just profit.

Personal Growth & Life Meaning

Assists individuals in choosing careers that align with their values and passions rather than external expectations.
Helps people navigate job loss, career shifts, or retirement by focusing on meaning and purpose beyond work.

Example:
A mid-career professional questioning their job satisfaction might use existential coaching to explore whether they need a career shift or simply a realignment of their current role with their deeper sense of purpose.

Relationships & Communication

Helps individuals confront existential concerns (e.g., "What is my purpose?" "What truly matters?").
Encourages personal growth through self-awareness and intentional living.
Supports people in making meaningful choices in relationships, lifestyle, and personal development.

Example:
A person feeling "stuck" in life might use existential coaching to identify their core values, eliminate distractions, and make intentional changes that lead to greater fulfillment.

Managing Anxiety & Fear of the Unknown

Strengthens relationships by fostering authentic communication and deeper connections.
Helps individuals navigate loneliness, loss, and relational conflicts.
Encourages acceptance of differences and freedom within relationships.

Example:
A couple struggling with disconnection might explore existential coaching to redefine their shared values and purpose, allowing them to reconnect on a deeper level.

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Helps individuals reframe existential anxiety (e.g., fear of death, change, or uncertainty) as a catalyst for personal growth.
Develops psychological flexibility by embracing uncertainty rather than avoiding it.
Encourages mindfulness and present-focused living.

Example:
Someone experiencing fear of failure might learn to see uncertainty as an opportunity for personal growth, helping them take bold actions with confidence.

Helps entrepreneurs align business goals with personal meaning and impact.
Supports resilience in facing uncertainty, setbacks, and risk-taking.
Encourages innovation driven by purpose rather than external validation.

Example:
A startup founder struggling with self-doubt might use existential coaching to ground their work in their deeper purpose, helping them stay motivated and adaptable in the face of challenges.

FAQ

WHAT FOLKS USUALLY ASK

How long is a session?

Depends on the client, topic and package between 60 and 90 minutes.

How is a session structured?

First, we make sure that you arrrive fully present to the space. See if there are any distractions left or so. After a mindful check-in, we agree on the topic(s) of the session. During that session opportunities for insights and growth appear and can then be invited to take in various ways. Through questions, excercises, sketching and many more.

How much does a session cost?

This also depends on the lenghts and amount of sessions that you have booked. Feel free to book a free exploration call with me if you want to get your personal quote.