Istanbul Conference

5th European Conference for Existential Therapy | Istanbul, May 24–25, 2024

Theme: “Building Bridges”

“We build too many walls and not enough bridges.”
— Isaac Newton

The 5th European Conference for Existential Therapy, the annual gathering of the Federation for Existential Therapy in Europe (FETE), took place on May 24–25, 2024 in Istanbul, with the central theme “Building Bridges.”

Drawing inspiration from Newton’s words, the conference explored how existential therapy can serve as a bridge—between people, ideas, and traditions—especially in a world that often leans toward separation and division. Bridges were celebrated as symbols of dialogue, unity, and the possibility of meeting across difference.

Istanbul proved a fitting host city, with its unique geography connecting continents and cultures. The city’s own bridges—linking Europe and Asia, tradition and modernity, past and future—mirrored the conference’s spirit of dialogue and connection.

Over two days, participants from across Europe and beyond came together to share knowledge, perspectives, and experiences through keynotes, paper presentations, discussions, panels, workshops, and poster sessions. The hybrid format allowed colleagues to join both in person at the Point Hotel Barbaros and online, broadening accessibility.

Keynote Lecturers

• Emmy van Deurzen

• Digby Tantam

• Alfried Laengle

• Zeynep Direk

• Erik Craig

Invited Lecturers

Peter Donders • Semyon Yeselson • Anna Kourtis • Claire Arnold-Baker • Gianfranco Buffardi • Evgenia Georganda • Paola Pomponi • Dionysios Sourelis • Jak Icoz • Laura Barnett • Katerina Zymni • Elis Şimşon • Edward Boyne • Nancy Hakim Dowek • Gideon Menda

The conference created a vibrant space for existential therapists, philosophers, and practitioners to connect, exchange, and reflect. It stood as a key event in 2024 for advancing existential therapy and strengthening the community across Europe.