Techniques
Paradoxical intention
A technique in which the patient deliberately “wishes for” or intends to do exactly what they fear - preferably with humour. It breaks the vicious circle of anticipatory anxiety.
Dereflection
A technique for redirecting attention away from oneself and one's symptoms towards tasks, values and other people. The answer to hyper-reflection.
Socratic dialogue
The main tool of the logotherapeutic conversation: questions that help a person discover meaning and values for themselves instead of receiving them from the therapist.
Attitude modulation (modification of attitudes)
Work on one's attitude to a situation that cannot be changed - from despair and rebellion towards an attitude that opens up to meaning. The term “attitude modulation” was introduced by Elisabeth Lukas.
Logodrama
An imaginative technique: looking at one's life from the perspective of its end (“from one's deathbed”) in order to see what really has value.
Logotherapy at work and in leadership
How to work with a manager or entrepreneur torn between profit and dignity: do not moralise, do not pretend to be neutral, but help them name their values and carry responsibility for their choice.
Requirements for the logotherapist
The logotherapist “works with themselves”: they must face the questions about meaning, death, freedom and conscience to which they invite the patient.