Logotherapy consists of six basic assumptions that overlap with the fundamentals constructs and

ways of seeking meaning.

 Body, Mind, and Spirit
 Life has meaning in all circumstances
 Humans have a will to meaning
 Freedom to find meaning
 Meaning of the moment
 Individuals are unique

1. Body, Mind, and Spirit

Human beings are made up of body (soma), mind (psyche) and spirit (noos). Frankl
held that while we have a body and a mind, the spirit is who we are, our identity and
essence.
While Frankl’s theory was not derived from theology, his assumption herein departs
from an atheistic materialism and shares striking similarities with certain religious
views.

2. Life Has Meaning Even in The Most Miserable Circumstances

This assumption represents an acknowledgement of a higher order in the world: an
order that transcends mere human laws. Consequently, even an objectively terrible
situation can offer meaning. "If there is a meaning in life at all, then there must be a
meaning in suffering. Suffering is an ineradicable part of life, even as fate and death.
Without suffering and death human life cannot be complete" (Frankl, 1984, p. 88).

3. Humans Possess a Will to Meaning

Logotherapy proposes that humans have a will to meaning, which means that seeing
meaning in pain can prepare the individual for suffering.
This assumption embodies a significant departure from one’s will to achieve power
and pleasure. It posits that the discovery of meaning is one’s primary motive for
living.
The will-to-meaning is “the basic striving of man to find and meaning and purpose”
(Frankl, 1969, p. 35).

4. Freedom to Find Meaning

Under all circumstances, individuals are free to activate the will to discover meaning.
The salutary amendment of one’s attitude toward inevitable suffering can enable
one’s will to discover meaning under any circumstance.
This assumption draws heavily upon Frankl’s own experiences in the Nazi camps.
5. Meaning of the Moment
An individual’s response determines the meaningfulness of the individual’s decision.
By heeding the values of society or following one’s conscience, one can find meaning
in one’s decisions.
This assumption is associated with the meaning of the moment in practical daily
living rather than ultimate meaning.

6. Individuals Are Unique

In response to the various demands of life, human beings experience unique
situations. Additionally, they are constantly seeking meaning.

Three techniques used in logotherapy include dereflection, paradoxical

intention, and Socratic dialogue.

1. Dereflection: Dereflection, which is based on self-transcendence, seeks to

redirect one’s attention from oneself or one’s own goals toward others. This
technique posits that when one is self-absorbed and is struggling with issues in
one’s life, one can significantly improve one’s situation by altering one’s focus
and being concerned about those around. For instance, if one is struggling with
one’s finances, the logotherapist might ask the patient to focus more on the people
he or she is working to provide for, rather than constantly thinking of how the
problem is affecting himself or herself.
So, it is basically aimed at helping someone focus away from themselves and
toward other people.

2. Paradoxical intention: Paradoxical intention is employed primarily to overcome

fear by anticipating the very object of one’s fear. For instance, with humor and
ridicule, one may wish for the very thing one is afraid of, in order to remove fear
from one’s intention. This practice would likely result in reducing the symptoms
as well.
So, it is a technique that has the person wish for the thing that is feared most.

3. Socratic dialogue: Socratic dialogue employs a method of self-discovery to

demonstrate to the patient that the solution to the patient’s problem is actually
within him or her. The logotherapist, herein would use the patient’s words, by
listening carefully for patterns, to help the patient discover new meaning in his or
her own words. So, this tool is used in logotherapy to help a patient through the
process of self-discovery through his or her own words.