The phenomenon of the spiritual unconscious in Victor Frankl’s logotherapy and an attempt at its understanding within the framework of patristic anthropology

Abstract

Viktor Frankl’s logotherapy is often presented as one of psychological approaches for the treatment of personality disorders (in particular, the noogenic neurosis, which manifests itself in the feeling of meaninglessness of life), which seems closest to the Orthodox worldview. The concept of the spiritual unconscious proposed by V. Frankl is one of the key concepts in his anthropology, but at the moment there are no studies devoted to its detailed research. The article presents an attempt of patristic analysis of this phenomenon and its manifestations such as conscience, love, and creativity. This may contribute to the finding of points of convergence and divergence between the Holy Fathers’ and Frankl’s anthropological models, and also help make an informed decision when choosing logotherapy or some of its techniques for pastoral practice.