Final answer:
Existentialism emphasizes personal responsibility and freedom to define one's meaning of life, focusing on self-exploration and the belief that 'existence precedes essence.' To assist someone without a sense of purpose, one might encourage the creation of a personalized life meaning, adaptable to an uncertain future. Creative expression and understanding of emotions also play a role in discovering one's purpose as per existential philosophy.
Step-by-step explanation:
In existentialism, a significant emphasis is placed on helping individuals find their own purpose or meaning in life, a process that is both personal and subjective. To assist a client who has lost or never possessed a sense of purpose, a starting point would be to explore the concept that 'existence precedes essence,' as articulated by Jean-Paul Sartre. This suggests that the individual first exists and then through experiences and choices, forms their own essence or nature. Thus, guiding a client involves encouraging self-exploration, acceptance of personal responsibility, and embracing freedom to define their own life's meaning.
Adopting an existentialist viewpoint can inform one's perspective on personal choice and responsibility. The rejection of previously fixed societal structures allows room for the individual to construct a unique sense of self and a personalized understanding of what constitutes a meaningful life. This could involve choosing paths that have intrinsic value and are adaptable to an uncertain future, ultimately giving the client a sense of control over their life direction.
Supporting clients in understanding their emotions, exemplified by the Abstract Expressionists, can aid in the discovery of individual purpose through creative expression. Overall, existential therapy can guide one towards making sense of their contributions, and navigating their life choices under 'existential uncertainty', fostering both generativity and integrity.