The Purpose of Purpose and the Meaning of Meaning This presentation will explore the need for meaning and purpose when healing from trauma and addiction. As Nietzsche said, “He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how.”. There is a long history in psychology of using meaning and purpose as an instrument of change, most notably Viktor Frankel and his therapeutic model of Logotherapy. This presentation will look at the specific use of this model with those recovering from substance and process addiction and PTSD. We will look at the neurobiology of attachment, addiction and trauma and the implications on the use of purpose and meaning in changing neuropathways in the brain. We will look at anecdotal data and the impressions of those that have long term recovery on the impact of purpose and meaning in their recovery. We will explore purpose and meaning from the perspective of shame reduction and as a tool for managing trauma reactivity.

Objective 1: The participant will be able to identify the neurobiology of attachment, addiction and trauma.

Objective 2: The attendee will examine the therapeutic model of Logotherapy

Objective 3: