The Icarus Society
"The struggle itself towards the heights is enough to fill a man's heart. We must imagine Sisyphus happy."
Camus
Pamela Ryan
MA, LCSW, PhD (Philosophy)
Existential Therapy, Narrative Therapy, DBT
Existential Therapy: A Philosophical Approach to Psychotherapy
Existential analysis is a psychotherapeutic modality rooted in existential philosophy. Unlike other contemporary approaches that rely solely on psychological theories, existential therapy is a deeper way of examining one's life in an authentic effort to truly understand oneself, what one's life means for you, and how it can be more fully lived. We delve into the fundamental questions of human existence. Here’s why it’s a valuable form of psychotherapy:
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Embracing Authenticity: Existential analysis encourages individuals to confront their authentic selves. Dr. Ryan believes that true healing occurs when we acknowledge our genuine emotions, fears, and aspirations. By exploring our inner landscape, we can make authentic decisions and live more congruently.
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Universal Human Dilemmas: Existential analysis focuses on universal human dilemmas—questions that transcend cultural boundaries. These include themes like freedom, responsibility, meaning, and mortality. Dr. Ryan guides her clients through these existential crossroads, helping them find purpose and clarity.
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Phenomenological Exploration: The heart of existential analysis lies in phenomenology—a method that examines lived experiences without preconceptions. Dr. Ryan engages her clients in reflective conversations, unraveling the layers of their existence. Through this process, they gain insight into their unique position in the world.
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Freedom and Responsibility: Existentialists emphasize our inherent freedom to choose. Dr. Ryan empowers her clients to recognize their agency—to embrace the freedom of decision-making. Simultaneously, she highlights the responsibility that accompanies this freedom—the weight of our choices.
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Meaning-Making: Dr. Ryan believes that life gains meaning through our conscious engagement with it. Existential analysis helps individuals discover their personal values, passions, and sources of fulfillment. By aligning actions with these core beliefs, clients find purpose and resilience.
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Beyond Symptom Management: While traditional therapies often focus on symptom relief, existential analysis digs deeper. Dr. Ryan explores the underlying existential angst—the dissonance between who we are and who we aspire to be. By addressing these existential gaps, lasting transformation occurs. In her cozy office adorned with philosophical texts, Dr. Ryan continues to guide her clients toward self-awareness, authenticity, and a richer understanding of existence. Her legacy as a professor extends beyond academia—she now illuminates the path toward a more meaningful life for those seeking existential healing.
Dr Ryan, a semi-retired professor of philosophy, has dedicated her life to unraveling the complexities of human existence. With decades of experience and a profound love and respect for the human journey, Dr. Ryan now uses her philosophical and psychological training, knowledge and skills to help clients come to find meaning and purpose in their life.
Monday - Friday
10 am- 7 pm
$250 per 60 minute session
In Network for: United, Optum, Oscar, Oxford, MRI, Carelon Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Others
Self Pay for OON
Superbills will be provided upon request.
Specialties Issues
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Anxiety Anger Management
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Depression Addiction
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Domestic/Sexual Violence Behavioral Issues/Coping Skills
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Trauma Recovery and Growth Family Conflict/Divorce
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Adolescent and Older Sexual Abuse/Violence
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LGBTQ+ Stress/Sleep or Insomnia Suicidal Ideation PTSD
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Treatment Approaches:
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Existential
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Narrative
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Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
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Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
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Humanistic
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Crisis Intervention
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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy
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Motivational Interviewing
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Trauma Focused
"The cessation of suffering comes with the cessation of craving.
As we are the ultimate cause of our difficulties, we are also the solution.
We cannot change the things that happen to us, but we can change our responses."
Buddha
The whirlwind of confusion around these fundamentally philosophical questions can make a persons' life miserable.
It can induce depression, helplessness, anxiety, worthlessness, and a general confusion about the world and one's place in it. This is where philosophical psychotherapy can truly help.
"Individual well-being, happiness, or mental harmony depends on a harmonious relationship between various parts of the mind, and between the whole person and society...
The ego seeks to satisfy its demands, but if there is a dearth of opportunities to do this, pain and frustration ensue."
Freud
"Human nature is not a machine to be built after a model, and set to do exactly the work prescribed for it, but a tree, which requires to grow and develop itself on all sides, according to the tendency of the inward forces which make it a living thing."
J.S. Mill
"The Will to Power endeavors to grow, to gain ground, attract to itself and acquire ascendency-...because it lives, and because Life is precisely the Will to Power."
Nietzsche
