Humanistic Psychology Counseling & Therapy

Humanistic therapy believes in the value of the whole person and how he relates to society. Mental health specialists who practice humanistic psychology believe that people are basically good, and through therapy a person has the ability to maximize his own self-growth.

Definition

• Client introspection and self-discovery are components of humanistic therapy.

  The Association for Humanistic Psychology say Humanistic psychology "is guided by a conviction that intentionality and ethical values are strong psychological forces, among the basic determinants of human behavior." The therapist helps clients recognize their self-worth.

Beliefs

• The client and therapist are equal partners in examining behavior.

  Humanistic therapy offers a unique perspective regarding the role of the client. SimplyPsychology.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk explains the unique aspects of humanistic psychology. "Humanistic psychologists look at human behavior not only through the eyes of the observer, but through the eyes of the person doing the behaving."

Practitioners

• Humanistic therapists use techniques to actively engage clients in treatment.

  Depression-Guide.com says humanistic therapists are "genuine, nonjudgmental, and empathic, and use open-ended responses, reflective listening, and tentative interpretations to promote client self-understanding, acceptance and actualization."

Beliefs

• A central theme of humanistic counseling is that people want to improve themselves.

  Followers of humanism theory believe people freely make choices regarding their behavior. Another core value is "people are basically good and have an innate need to make themselves and the world better," according to Simply Psychology.

Differences

• The connection between individuals and society is explored in humanistic therapy.

  Humanistic psychology theory differs from other psychological approaches. It looks closely at the relationship between people and society and the impact each has on the other. Humanists do not believe people have a pathological nature.

Considerations

• Humanistic psychology says that as people feel better, the world around them becomes better.

  Humanistic therapy focuses on the unique qualities of each individual client. It recognizes that human beings are complex individuals. It assumes that if people are given guidance to explore and identify their self-worth, they will emerge as better people and both the clients and the society around them will be a richer, better place.