Logotherapy is a therapy “in spiritual terms,” that is, it is a method for bringing you to awareness of your responsibility.
The basis for this approach is the assumption that healing in human beings is effected by enhancing their higher human qualities and strengths. Consciousness of responsibility is at the core of what it means to be human; taking responsibility heals human beings.
By way of introduction, Frankl delineates the four dimensions where neurotic symptoms are rooted: the physical, psychic, social and existential areas of human functioning.
Psychotherapy in the narrow sense cannot bring about change in the first three areas without eliciting the person’s freedom of choice.
If human freedom and intentionality are decisive factors in positive change, are they also to blame when things go wrong? Are you to assume that your physical symptoms are an expression of purpose – as a means to an end? If you’re sick, is it all your fault?
First of all, says Frankl, knowing why you’re holding on to a particular symptom does not say anything about what caused the symptom. Secondly, it would not be true to conclude that you’re deliberately “using” this symptom as a tactic to keep from getting on with your life task.
At the same time, once you become aware of what your true life task is, it will be easier to let go of your symptom.
That is, having a meaningful goal that you believe in makes you genuinely interested in working towards it. Then, once you know what you want, you can begin to look at what’s holding you back from what you want.
The freedom “to” make meaningful choices therefore has to come before freedom “from” impediments. “Freedom to” provides the energy that nurtures you spiritually and empowers you to overcome the obstacles. (The Doctor and the Soul, p. 176-178)