Humanistic psychology believes that individuals are good and focuses on helping them reach their potential by exploring their uniqueness. It relies on the belief that individuals have free will and are motivated to realize their full potential through self-actualization.
Humanistic psychology and humanistic therapy go together since the latter focuses on people's ability to make rational decisions and realize their full potential. This therapeutic approach puts the client at the middle and allows them to take the lead within the conversation. It also allows them to find their true authentic selves while finding solutions to their concerns.
The therapist acts as an unbiased, respectful listener who guides the therapeutic process. You acknowledge your experiences without attempting to steer the conversation in a special direction.
Important assumptions of humanistic psychology are:
- Feelings, thoughts, perception and more are central to how you are feeling about yourself, which is the essential indicator of your behavior.
- Your need to succeed in your full potential is a natural process.
- All people have free will and it’s essential to take responsibility on your behavior as a way to achieve personal growth and achievement.
- Under the proper conditions, people can thrive, especially in childhood.
- A psychologist should treat each case individually because one and all is different and has unique experiences.
Humanistic psychologists use methods corresponding to unstructured interviews, observations, and open-ended questionnaires.
In unstructured interviews, the therapist tries to grasp how you’re thinking that and feel without focusing the session on specific topics or ideas. They also observe you during sessions so you’ll be able to be open and supply direct feedback.
Psychologists who use this manner of therapy tailor treatment to the person, knowing that one and all is different and has unique needs and motivations.
Humanistic therapy takes a holistic approach that focuses on free will, human potential and self-discovery. The goal is to enable you to develop a powerful and healthy sense of self, explore your feelings, find meaning, and deal with your strengths.
There are two approaches to humanistic therapy:
Empathy. The therapist tries to grasp you. Empathy allows the therapist to view your experiences from their perspective.
Unconditional positive regard. This implies that the therapist shows warmth, is receptive and is non-judgmental. You avoid appearing as an authority figure.
Client-centered therapy: Client-centered theory uses the strategy of lively listening. The therapist listens, acknowledges your concerns, and reframes them. This therapy technique relies on the thought of making a supportive environment where you’ll be able to be at liberty to be yourself in a non-judgmental space.
The ability to get in contact together with your true self helps you understand yourself for who you actually are. Client-centered therapy relies heavily on unconditional positive regard and empathy.
Gestalt therapy: Gestalt therapy focuses on the abilities and techniques that permit you to turn into aware of your feelings and emotions. It is meant to encourage you to concentrate on the here and now and to take responsibility on your actions and behavior.
Existential therapy: This approach focuses more on free will, self-determination and the seek for meaning.
Some studies suggest that humanistic therapy may achieve success in comparison with other varieties of psychotherapy in producing positive changes for clients undergoing one of these treatment.
Humanistic therapy might be effective for individuals who have:
If an individual has problems with verbal communication and understanding, this approach may prevent them from establishing a working relationship with their therapist.