Using Logotherapy to Find Meaning in Suffering

3 May 2025

Life can be tough. We all experience hardship, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, financial struggles, or health issues. In the face of such adversity, it’s easy to wonder, "Why is this happening to me?" or "What’s the point of going through all this pain?" These are questions that humanity has grappled with for centuries. But what if I told you there's a way to use suffering—not just to survive it, but to find meaning and purpose in it? That’s where logotherapy comes in.

Logotherapy, developed by Viktor Frankl, offers a unique perspective on human suffering and how we can transform it into something meaningful. In this article, we'll dive deep into how logotherapy can help you find purpose, even in the darkest moments of your life. So grab a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and let's explore how this fascinating form of psychotherapy can change the way you look at suffering.

What Is Logotherapy?

First things first—what exactly is logotherapy?

Logotherapy is a type of existential psychotherapy created by Viktor Frankl, an Austrian neurologist and psychiatrist who survived the horrors of Nazi concentration camps. Frankl’s personal experiences in the camps led him to develop this form of therapy, which is grounded in the belief that the primary human drive is not pleasure (as Freud suggested) or power (as Adler suggested), but the search for meaning.

In logotherapy, the Greek word "logos" means "meaning," so essentially, logotherapy is "therapy through meaning." The idea is that even in the worst situations—yes, even in the face of immense suffering—we can find purpose. And according to Frankl, this sense of purpose is what gives us the strength to endure hardship.

The Three Pillars of Logotherapy

Logotherapy is built on three basic principles, or "pillars," that help people discover meaning in their lives:

1. Freedom of Will: No matter what happens to us, we always have the freedom to choose our attitude. This is huge because it puts the power back in your hands. You can't always control your circumstances, but you can control your response.

2. Will to Meaning: The core belief of logotherapy is that humans are motivated by the pursuit of meaning in life. This is what drives us, more than the pursuit of pleasure or power.

3. Meaning of Life: According to Frankl, life has meaning under all circumstances, even the most miserable ones. The key is to find that meaning, and logotherapy helps you do just that.

Why Is Meaning So Important?

You might be thinking, "Okay, I get it, meaning is important—but why does it matter so much?"

Well, think about it. When you have a sense of purpose, everything changes. You wake up with a reason to get out of bed. You push through the tough days because you know there's something bigger you're working toward. Without meaning, life can feel empty, and suffering can seem unbearable. But when you find meaning, that suffering becomes more tolerable because it's not for nothing.

Viktor Frankl famously said, “Those who have a 'why' to live, can bear with almost any 'how'.” In other words, when you know why you're going through something, you can handle the how much more easily. It’s like climbing a mountain. If you know there’s a breathtaking view waiting for you at the top, you’ll keep going, even when your legs are burning and you’re gasping for air.

How Does Logotherapy Help Us Find Meaning in Suffering?

Now that we’ve covered what logotherapy is and why meaning is so important, let’s explore how it works in practice—especially when it comes to suffering. After all, anyone can find meaning when life is good, but how do you do it when everything is falling apart?

1. Attitudinal Change

One of the core teachings of logotherapy is that while we can’t always control what happens to us, we can control our attitude toward it. This idea is both liberating and empowering.

Let’s say you’ve lost your job. You might initially feel like a victim of circumstances beyond your control, but logotherapy encourages you to ask, "How can I respond to this in a way that is meaningful?" Maybe losing your job is an opportunity to pursue a career you’ve always dreamed of. Or perhaps it's a chance to focus on personal growth. This shift in perspective can turn suffering into a stepping stone toward something greater.

2. Finding Meaning in the Moment

Frankl believed that meaning is not something abstract or distant. It’s something we can find in every moment—no matter how small or insignificant it seems. In fact, Frankl argued that even in the worst situations, we can find meaning by focusing on the present moment and asking ourselves, "What does life expect from me right now?"

For example, if you’re going through a difficult breakup, instead of fixating on the pain, you can focus on how this experience is shaping you. Are you learning to be more resilient? Are you discovering new aspects of yourself? These lessons can bring a sense of meaning to the suffering.

3. Creating a Legacy

Another way logotherapy helps us find meaning in suffering is by encouraging us to think about our legacy. What will you leave behind? How will your experience contribute to the lives of others?

Frankl often spoke about how people who suffer can create meaning by turning their pain into something positive for others. Maybe you've gone through a health crisis, and now you're using your experience to help others in a similar situation. Your suffering has a purpose because it enables you to support others and make their journey a little easier.

4. Embracing "Tragic Optimism"

Frankl introduced the concept of "tragic optimism," which is the ability to remain hopeful and find meaning despite life’s inevitable tragedies. It’s not about being naive or pretending things are fine when they’re not. Instead, it’s about acknowledging the pain while still holding onto the belief that life has meaning.

This mindset allows you to move forward even when things are hard. It’s like carrying an umbrella in a storm—you know you can’t stop the rain, but you can protect yourself from getting completely drenched.

Practical Steps to Apply Logotherapy in Your Life

Great, you understand the theory. But how do you actually use logotherapy in your daily life, especially when you're knee-deep in suffering? Here are some practical steps to help you find meaning, even in tough times.

1. Reflect on Your Values

When life gets hard, take some time to reflect on what truly matters to you. What are your core values? What principles guide your decisions? When you’re clear on your values, it becomes easier to make choices that align with your sense of purpose, even in the face of adversity.

2. Reframe Your Situation

Instead of asking, "Why is this happening to me?" try asking, "What can I learn from this?" or "How can I grow through this experience?" Reframing your situation can help you see it in a new light, making it easier to find meaning.

3. Focus on Small, Meaningful Actions

You don’t have to solve all your problems at once. Sometimes, finding meaning is about focusing on small, meaningful actions. Maybe it’s reaching out to a friend, journaling your thoughts, or practicing gratitude for the little things. These small steps can add up and help you find purpose, even in difficult times.

4. Seek Support

Sometimes, it's hard to find meaning on your own. Don’t hesitate to seek support from friends, family, or a therapist. Talking through your struggles with someone else can offer new perspectives and help you discover meaning in ways you hadn't considered.

The Power of Meaning in Suffering

At the end of the day, logotherapy is about realizing that even in the darkest moments, life still has meaning. Suffering doesn’t have to be pointless. Instead, it can be a powerful teacher, guiding you toward a deeper understanding of yourself and your purpose.

The beauty of logotherapy lies in its simplicity and universality. It doesn’t promise to make your problems disappear, but it does offer you the tools to face them with courage and resilience. And in doing so, it helps you transform your suffering into something meaningful.

So, the next time life throws you a curveball, remember Viktor Frankl’s words: "When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves." By embracing the principles of logotherapy, you can find meaning in your suffering and turn adversity into a source of strength.