LOGOTHERAPY IN WORKING WITH YOUNG PEOPLE

ABSTRACT

Young people face various challenges in modern society. Logotherapy is a unique approach created by Viktor Frankl that helps young people find the meaning of life and unlock their potential. The main goal of logotherapy with young people is to find the meaning of life and unlock their potential. The psychologist uses various techniques to realize his own values, determine priorities and find a life mission. Logotherapy helps to improve internal relationships, overcome internal conflicts and establish harmony in life. Logotherapy actively uses various methods, including group classes, individual consultations, creative practices and adventure training. The goal of logotherapy is to help young people apply their knowledge and skills in practice.

Keywords: non-suicidal and suicidal autoaggressive behavior, adolescents, logotherapy, meaning, life orientations, existential frustration.

Logotherapy is a unique approach developed by the famous Austrian psychologist Viktor Frankl. This method of psychotherapy is based on the idea that a person's main aspiration is to find meaning and purpose in life. Frankl researched and studied the deeper aspects of human experience in extreme circumstances, such as the concentration camps of World War II, and found that the ability to find meaning in their existence helps people survive and overcome suffering. [1]

The main idea of logotherapy is that a person can find deep satisfaction by realizing his individual responsibility and setting himself the task of finding meaning in his life. Logotherapy does not aim to eliminate suffering, but rather helps a person find the strength and inner resources to overcome difficulties and determine their place in the world.

As part of the logotherapy work, the psychologist helps the client identify their values, beliefs and goals, as well as realize their creative abilities and development potential. Logotherapy includes both individual consultations and group sessions where people can interact and find inspiration from the experiences of others.

The use of logotherapy can be useful in various areas of life, including personal relationships, work, education and religious beliefs. Through the process of self-discovery and awareness of their values, logotherapy clients can achieve deep satisfaction and life fruitfulness.

Let's consider the basic concepts of logotherapy. One of the central ideas of logotherapy is related to the concept of the will to make sense. Austrian psychotherapist Viktor Frankl believed that the desire to find meaning is the main driving force in a person. [2] Unlike Sigmund Freud's theory of pleasure and Alfred Adler's emphasis on power in individual psychology, Frankl emphasized the importance of the will to meaning in life. In his work, he refers to an opinion poll conducted in France, which showed that the vast majority of people are looking for something valuable and meaningful, because of which they are ready to give their lives. The results of the survey among the patients and staff of his clinic in Vienna were almost identical. Therefore, the need for meaning is a fact, and the lack of meaning, values and ideals in life causes mental suffering. [3]

In addition, Frankl points out that thinking about the meaning of being and doubting its existence is a natural need of a mature personality. He argues that the meaning of existence is not created, but revealed: "The meaning is more of what needs to be found than something given. A person cannot create it, but must reveal it." Each life situation is unique, as well as each person's own life goal. Frankl believes that every situation presents a challenge for a person and a problem that he must solve. He argues that the question of the meaning of life is asked by life itself, not by man, and that the answer to this question depends only on him. He encourages people to take responsibility for their lives and realize their meanings and goals. In logotherapy, this responsibility is considered the basis of human existence. [5]

The phrase "existential frustration" describes the feeling of inner emptiness and meaninglessness that engulfs a person, especially when his work activity subsides. Frankl notes that this condition is not a pathology in itself, but becomes pathogenic if the search for meaning becomes fruitless. Long-term frustration can lead to neurosis. There is also the concept of "noogenic neurosis", which develops when a feeling of meaninglessness is accompanied by obvious clinical symptoms. Noogenic neuroses due to a conflict between values or the search for meaning itself. [4]

The "existential vacuum" manifests itself most often in free time, when a person is not busy with business. The vacuum is characterized by boredom, apathy and a feeling of inner emptiness. It can lead to depression when a person realizes the meaninglessness of his life due to the lack of a specific meaning.

Let's move on to the methods of logotherapy: socratic dialogue, dereflexia, paradoxical intention.

The first is the Socratic dialogue. To solve the problems of finding the meaning of life, Frankl suggests using the method of socratic dialogue. Based on logical reasoning, this procedure allows the psychologist to ask such questions so that the client can give the maximum number of positive answers. Thus, the client is invited to reconsider previously accepted judgments that were unclear or unnoticeable.

During the Socratic dialogue, three areas of life experience and three categories of values are most often discussed: creativity, experiences and relationships. According to Frankl, these aspects can contain the meaning of life for a person, making it conscious and meaningful.

Second: dereflexia. This method is used to counteract the compulsive tendency of introspection and focus on one's own problems. The patient should focus his attention on an important task for himself or his loved one. In this way, he redirects his preoccupation with his problems to his vocation and mission in life. The goal is to find new tasks and meanings, which helps to break the vicious circle of suffering. Dereflexia is based on the anthropological ability of a person to self-transcendence.

Third: a paradoxical intention. This method is not to resist symptoms or undesirable reactions. The psychologist, using this technique, inspires the client to consciously engage in what he is trying to avoid. For example, if a person is experiencing fear and his trembling is a problem, then he is asked to voluntarily do three things: tremble. Further monitoring of the condition and reactions allows you to notice how the undesirable reaction gradually weakens and disappears. The same can be applied, for example, to stuttering or excessive sweating.

Thus, logotherapy is a valuable tool in the field of psychology that helps people discover their inner selves, find meaning in their lives and cope with difficulties. Thanks to the work of Victor Frankl, this unique approach has become available to millions of people around the world, continuing to have a positive impact on their lives and well-being.

References:

1. Frankl V. «Volya k smyslu». [Tekst] / V. Frankl. – M. : Izd-stvo: «EKSMO-Press», 2000.
2. Frankl V. «Doktor i dusha» [Tekst] / V. Frankl. – SPb. : Yuventa, 1997.
3. Frankl V. «Psihoterapiya na praktike. Psihoterapiya i ekzistencializm: Izbrannye raboty po logoterapii» [Tekst] / V. Frankl. – M. : Izd-stvo: «Big-Press», 2012.
4. Frankl V. «Teoriya i terapiya nevrozov. Vvedenie v logoterapiyu i ekzistencial'nyj analiz» [Tekst] / V. Frankl. – M. : Izd-stvo: «Big-press», 2012.
5. Frankl V. «Chelovek v poiskah smysla» [Tekst] / V. Frankl. –  M.: Progress. 1990.