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Journal of Behavioral Health and Psychology

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The Crisis of Language in Therapeutic Practice: Integrating Wittgenstein, Heidegger, Lacan, and Mystical Approaches

Julian Ungar-Sargon

Abstract

This paper examines the philosophical crisis of language and meaning through the works of Wittgenstein, Heidegger, and Lacan, and applies these insights to the therapeutic context. These philosophers collectively undermine the assumption that language can transparently represent reality, creating profound implications for therapeutic practice which traditionally relies on verbal expression. The paper proposes that mystical traditions, with their recognition of language's limitations and cultivation of alternative modes of knowing, offer valuable resources for addressing this crisis. By integrating philosophical critique with mystical approaches, this paper suggests a framework for therapeutic practice that works with rather than against the limitations of language, potentially opening new possibilities for healing beyond conventional therapeutic discourse.