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2.1.5 The Appealing technique
This methodcame into existencedue to Frankl's concept ofthe importanceofmean­
ings and valuesin timesofdespair and doubt - for helping people to withstand the
vicissitudes oflife. This techniqueappeals to the human dignity ofa person and rests
on the power ofsuggestion. Paradoxicalintention,dereflection, modificationofatti­
tudes and the logoanchor, cannotbe used with clientswho are near to collapse - there
is a need first to calm them down, let them relax a bit and still their excitement. The
appealing technique is used when the noetic or cognitive dimension is temporarily
blocked.
Lukas (1986)has developeda "suggestive trainingofthe will" within the appealing
'technique.
The reason for this is that in logotherapeutic techniques it is the client
who alonemust decide and chooses hisoptions. Lukas' method leads to the
strengthening ofthe client's freedomofthe will. She calls the attention ofthe clients
to the fact that they are not helpless victims oftheir fates, their emotions, or oftheir
drives. Rather, they can shape their own destinies and live and strive for goals
worthy ofthem.
We can stay well, by using our will power to stabilizeour emotional state and thus
increase immunity (Lukas 1986). Lukas believes thatifstress can be triggered in the
psyche, then it also can be prevented by the psyche. She believes the will to live and
reach a certain goal strengthens the body's capacity to withstand illness and resist
the forces ofdestruction.
In the gerontological literaturethere are very often encountering stories how very old
and sick people "cheat death" by surviving "only until my granddaughtergets mar-
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