New Book Connects Chassidus With Logotherapy

Therapist Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch was intrigued by the Rebbe's interest in the works of famed Vienna psychiatrist Dr. Victor Frankl. He ended up writing the book, "Viktor Frankl and the Psychology of the Soul: A Guide to Finding Meaning and Emotional Wellness."

by Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, LMFT

For over a decade, the relationship between Viktor Frankl and the Lubavitcher Rebbe has intrigued people. The Rebbe was quoted as saying, “I particularly took interest in the writing of Dr. Frankl (from Vienna) in this matter. To my surprise, however, his approach has apparently not been appropriately disseminated and appreciated.”

VIDEO: The Message the Rebbe Sent to Famed Psychiatrist Dr. Victor Frankl

While this connection has garnered much attention, there has not been a structured guide on how to apply Frankl’s ideas in therapy, nor on how Chassidus might enhance treatment for complex issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD—until now.

In my new book, Viktor Frankl and The Psychology of the Soul: A Guide to Finding Meaning and Emotional Wellness, I believe, for the first time, I offer practical strategies to integrate Logotherapy with Chassidus. This book provides a roadmap for using these concepts in both therapeutic and self-help settings to help individuals navigate and overcome emotional challenges like depression, anxiety, and trauma.

The book builds on Frankl’s pioneering works, notably Man’s Search for Meaning and The Unconscious God, presenting these ideas in an accessible format for modern readers. Additionally, it features a 30-day “Search for Meaning” workbook, allowing readers to engage in reflective journaling aimed at enhancing purpose and alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. Through guided exercises and prompts, readers are invited to reflect on their values, emotions, and spiritual strengths.

The Power of Meaning in Healing

At the heart of the book lies a powerful premise: discovering and pursuing meaning is essential for overcoming emotional suffering. Frankl’s Logotherapy proposes that the primary human drive is not pleasure, as Freud argued, but rather the search for meaning. Frankl posited that even in the darkest of times—such as his own experiences in Nazi concentration camps—people can endure and transcend suffering when they find a purpose.

Frankl’s approach stands apart from those of other renowned therapists, like Sigmund Freud and Alfred Adler. While psychoanalysis and individual psychology often delve into childhood and self-focus, Frankl cautioned that excessive introspection could worsen suffering. Logotherapy, instead, encourages people to transcend themselves, seek meaning, and access their spiritual strengths. As a therapist, I have witnessed firsthand how this shift—emphasizing clients’ latent talents, spiritual inclinations, and relationship with God—can serve as a powerful catalyst for healing.

One of the book’s most unique contributions is its introduction of the Ten Levels of Meaning—a conceptual map functioning as an emotional and spiritual GPS. These levels guide readers on a journey of self-discovery, beginning with basic physical sensations and progressing to higher spiritual awareness and purpose. As they navigate these levels, readers can identify emotional or spiritual blocks and learn strategies for moving forward toward greater fulfillment.

The initial levels in this framework address physical sensations, thoughts, and emotions, while higher levels explore beliefs about self and others, personal values, and spiritual purpose. The highest level involves discovering one’s spiritual essence, where one connects with ultimate meaning and their relationship with God. Moving through these levels fosters profound changes, empowering readers to transcend personal struggles and build deeper emotional and spiritual resilience.

Logotherapy and the Mitteler Rebbe

In this book, I explore Frankl’s legacy by integrating spiritual insights from Chassidus, particularly the teachings of the Mitteler Rebbe. The Mitteler Rebbe’s Kuntress Hisbonenus describes a process of Iyun, focusing on the depth, breadth, and scope of one’s thoughts. This technique encourages individuals to gain deeper insight into their thought patterns and to transform their thinking in positive directions.

The Mitteler Rebbe also highlighted the importance of looking beyond oneself and redirecting focus toward Hashem’s presence. Frankl introduced similar concepts, such as hyper-reflection and hyper-intention, which show that excessive self-focus can impede happiness. By shifting attention outward—toward goals and values—people can achieve the happiness they initially sought. In the book, I detail how the Mitteler Rebbe’s teachings on self-transcendence align with these ideas, providing practical applications in therapy and self-help.

Viktor Frankl and the Psychology of the Soul includes numerous case studies and stories illustrating how real people have transformed their lives through Logotherapy and spiritual reflection. These stories highlight individuals like Rabbi Yitzi Hurwitz, who battles ALS; Jerry Long, a paraplegic psychotherapist; Viktor Frankl, who survived Auschwitz; Vanessa, a student who overcame a severe neck injury; Rivkah, who coped with the pain of stillbirth; and Sara, who courageously faces Ankylosing Spondylitis, a debilitating autoimmune disease.

These compelling stories showcase the transformative power of meaning in the face of trauma, depression, chronic illness, and other emotional challenges.

For anyone searching for more meaning or struggling with depression, anxiety, or a sense of aimlessness, Viktor Frankl and the Psychology of the Soul offers tools and insights to uncover meaning and achieve emotional wellness.

–Rabbi Daniel Schonbuch, LMFT, is a licensed therapist and the owner and director of MyTalkPlace.com, which offers therapy with frum therapists for the Jewish community. He is the author of several books on therapy, including Viktor Frankl and the Psychology of the Soul: A Guide to Finding Meaning and Emotional Wellness. To learn more, visit www.torahpsychology.org/books

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