When I read Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning, I wrestle with the idea that an individual is solely responsible for his or her life, a sort of radical individualism: “You are the only one responsible for the success or failure in your life” (Cohen, 2017, April 8), which seems to neglect the influence of positive relationships and of chance.
As the public becomes more aware of the impact of trauma and addiction, therapists are feeling an urgency to find better ways to help those suffering from both posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder.
The first time parents laid eyes on their newborn child, they probably pictured various milestones: first steps, first day of school, college graduation, and, perhaps, a big wedding. What may have never occurred to them is that, as their child grows, he or she may be at risk of suicide. Shocking news to most parents, […]
A remarkable amount of writing and research has been done since the early 1990s on psychological trauma—its etiology, biopsychological effects, and forms of therapy. Because this intense focus on trauma is relatively new, it isn’t a surprise that we don’t yet have a generally agreed upon framework to guide our understanding of what trauma is […]
From personal tragedies, such as accidents, illnesses, deaths, and relationship violence, to larger scale catastrophes, such as terrorist attacks, natural disasters, communal crimes, and violence, psychological traumas and losses could befall anyone in unpredictable ways. Yet most of us assume that whatever we encounter tomorrow will more or less be consistent with what we’ve encountered […]
The answer to my lifelong search for meaning and happiness in times of suffering seems surprisingly simple: To live a meaningful life regardless of circumstances is to have the courage and responsibility to become what you were meant to be, to become your best self as a gift to others.
Claude-Hélène Mayer (Dr. disc. pol. habil., PhD, PhD, MA hist-phil, MSc) is a Full Professor in Industrial and Organisational Psychology at the University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa, Adjunct Professor (PD) at the Europa Universität Viadrina in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, and a Senior Research Associate at Rhodes University, Grahamstown, South Africa.
Elisabeth Vanderheiden is a pedagogue, theologian, intercultural mediator, managing director of the Catholic Adult Education Rhineland-Palatinate, and the federal chairwoman of the Catholic Adult Education of Germany.
My involvement with INPM actually began when I realized something was missing from popular psychology forums, namely the spiritual dimension. After searching the web for a more inclusive organization, I presented at INPM’s 2014 meaning conference. Dazzled by the breadth of knowledge and perspectives shared there, I repeated my involvement in 2016.
I have served most of my professional career in higher education administration and instruction and as a therapist. After completing a Master of Arts in Counseling and a Master of Arts in Theology at Asbury Seminary, I continued on with my Ph.D. in Counseling, Education and Program Development at the Union Institute and University.
Meaning Conference 2025 will be the INPM’s first in-person conference with a virtual option after the pandemic. Register Here for Early Bird Savings. To learn more about conference details and conference submission guidelines, click here.