Freedom, resistance, and rebellion

This chapter explores the existential concept of freedom as both a philosophical principle and a practical tool in coaching. It examines the distinction between control and influence, emphasizing that while individuals cannot control every outcome, they retain the freedom to exert meaningful influence over their lives. Through case studies and examples, the chapter demonstrates how clients often relinquish their limited freedoms through self-censorship, perfectionism, or social pressures, leading to feelings of passivity and despair. Existential wellness coaching encourages clients to reclaim these freedoms by making intentional choices, embracing imperfection, and resisting both external constraints and internalized barriers. The chapter situates freedom within the broader existential framework of absurdity, resistance, and rebellion, drawing on thinkers such as Camus and Sartre to highlight the metaphor of the “freedom fighter.” This metaphor extends beyond political resistance to capture the universal human struggle against despair, conformity, and nihilism. Ultimately, the chapter positions existential coaching as a practice of supporting clients in recognizing, embracing, and exercising their available freedoms, thereby fostering authenticity, resilience, and purposeful living.