Our Being – the Essential

It has been scientifically shown that our image of the human being – here, in particular, of the child – shapes our actions more strongly than any acquired knowledge or well-meant intention. In Existential Pedagogy, the focus lies first and foremost on the person, not primarily on psychodynamics. Person here refers to the inner essence of a human being. At the same time, it is a space of resonance, enabling us to perceive what is essential for that person.

This resonance allows us to filter, from the multitude of impressions that press upon us, those invitations or themes that truly concern us as persons – that touch us, move us, and appear important and valuable. This sensitivity must be taken seriously, for it is a vital inner compass that can guide us through life.

Strengthening Children: at Home and at School

What gives strength our children? What provides them with grounding so that they can engage with life and its questions, build reliable relationships, and have the courage to search for their own answers? So that they can shape their lives, deal with themselves, stay motivated to learn, and handle their everyday life in such a way that, on the whole, they do find it good?

Strengthening and Being Strengthened

The aim is to strengthen children and adolescents – as well as educators – in their person so that they can competently deal with their life and with themselves. Existentially minded educators accompany children and adolescents in leading a good and fulfilling life. First, they respond to the fundamental needs of children and adolescents: to be seen, to be loved, and to be accepted in their inner essence. Second, they support children and adolescents in discovering and realizing in their life what appears to them as valuable, important, and right.

Attitude rather than Tools

Existential pedagogy is rooted in Viktor Frankl’s Logotherapy and in Alfried Längle’s further development of Existential Analysis, a scientifically grounded framework. From this “treasure chest,” Existential Pedagogy has evolved as one of several fields of application. Here, the human being is taken seriously in their person—in their uniqueness, individuality, and potentiality. Existential Pedagogy relies less on specific tools and methods than on an appreciative attitude toward the other person and the themes that concern them.

Fulfilled – Meaningful – Existential

We lead an existential life when we move from mere existence to a fulfilled and meaningful existence, to a life that we experience as coherent and authentic. For this reason, Existential Pedagogy focuses on the essential existential conditions of life, from which the fields of development arise. It seeks to foster strong and motivated children, and authentic educators.

Person rather than Perfection

What matters is not a “perfect” or “correct” way of upbringing, but the ability to face – even challenging – educational situations from one’s own inner centre. Educators grounded in Existential Pedagogy are willing to enter into an open dialogue with themselves and with the children entrusted to them, and to grow in the process.