Meaning Therapy (MT)

Meaning Therapy (MT) is best described by its motto: “Meaning is all we have; relationship is all we need”. It seeks to help individuals by looking into their personal needs for essence and connection. Generally, the sources of meaning include intimacy, relationship, religion, fairness, acceptance, self-transcendence, and achievement. MT believes that by appealing to a person’s sense of responsibility, he will be motivated to achieve his potential. The outcomes include mature happiness, humility, true grit, compassion, gratitude, authenticity, and social responsibility. For instance, a client who is struggling with procrastination is encouraged to maximize his freedom in pursuing his goals. With the right mindset, mindful observation, commitment, and other techniques, the client may become more empowered and develop better coping skills. This approach was first developed as logotherapy or meaning-oriented therapy by Viktor Frankl in the 1930s. The current MT was introduced by Paul Wong, a Canadian psychologist, writer, and professor. As compared to logotherapy, MT is more inclusive and integrative.