WHY IS HUMANISTIC THERAPY RIGHT FOR YOU?
What is Humanistic Therapy?
Humanistic Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on self-development and growth and emphasizes the individual's drive toward self-discovery and creativity. It is based on the idea that people naturally can understand their experiences and situations and make positive life changes. Similarly, this type of therapy seeks to help people achieve their personal growth and identity rather than focusing on their symptoms or problems.
It is a therapeutic approach that also focuses on the underlying causes of human behavior. In contrast to traditional Psychodynamic Therapy, it does not focus on unconscious conflicts- like memories and experiences stored in your mind unconsciously but rather the conscious and unconscious ways that an individual makes sense of the world. More specifically, humanistic therapists address their clients' feelings, thoughts, and behaviors from a viewpoint that aims to understand the meaning each person gives to these experiences as they relate to their life goals.
Who Started Humanistic Therapy?
Humanistic Therapy has its roots in the work of several key figures in psychology, including Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow.
Abraham Maslow, regarded as one of the most influential psychologists, has been referred to as "the father of Humanistic Psychology," with the fundamental belief that human beings are generally good and proposed that the unique experience of an individual is the most important occurrence in the study and analysis of human behavior. (1) With his concept of "hierarchy of needs," Maslow believed that individuals have this innate drive towards self-actualization –a realization of their full potential that is motivated by the satisfaction of basic needs such as food, shelter, and safety.
Another influence that agreed with Maslow was Carl Rogers, an American psychologist who developed person-centered Therapy in the 1950s. He believed that the therapeutic relationship is the key to change. The therapist's role is to provide a non-judgmental, empathetic, and accepting attitude to help the person feel comfortable enough to be open and honest (2). He also emphasized the importance of the individual's subjective experience and the therapist's active listening and empathy. In addition, Carl Rogers started the idea that human beings are inherently good and that others cannot meet their basic needs. Thus, he advocated allowing people to work through their issues and express themselves freely.
What is the Purpose of Humanistic Therapy?
There are many types of therapies available that best fit your needs. Still, Humanistic Therapy can treat a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. One of the purposes of this type of therapy is to help individuals develop greater self-awareness, improve relationships, and find meaning in their lives.
It may not be as familiar as other types of therapy, but Humanistic Therapy aims to help clients deal with their problems by working through them together. This can mean anything from helping someone develop coping strategies for a stressful event or situation to helping someone gain perspective on an issue that has been weighing on them for years. In short, humanistic Therapy aims to help people feel happier or more confident in their lives by teaching them how to create positive change.
How Does It Work?
Humanistic Therapy session starts by creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment where one feels heard and understood.
During these sessions, your therapist will guide you through a conversation about what's happening in your life. The therapist uses active listening, which is not just hearing you speak but seeking to understand the meaning behind your experiences, and empathy to help you explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, enables you to identify your strengths and abilities and encourages you to take responsibility for your actions and make positive changes in your life.
They'll ask questions about what makes you feel anxious or sad, what stresses you out, how these things have changed over time; how these affect other aspects of your life (like school, work, or relationships); and how these stressors affect other people around you.
This process helps the therapist understand how these feelings impact your life and also helps them figure out what kinds of interventions might be most helpful for you in dealing with them.
One key aspect of Humanistic Therapy focuses on the present moment and the individual's subjective experience. Therefore, the therapist helps the person understand how past experiences may impact their current thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Humanistic Therapy can treat various mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and relationship problems. It can also help individuals develop self-awareness, improve relationships, and find meaning.
Examples of humanistic therapies include:
Person-centered Therapy aims to create a therapeutic relationship built on trust, respect, and openness, where clients feel safe to express their feelings, thoughts, and experiences. It is a non-judgmental approach that allows them to express their feelings freely and minimize negative emotions.
Gestalt Therapy- The term “gestalt” comes from the German word that means “whole” or “form.” Fritz Perls, Laura Perls, and Paul Goodman developed Gestalt therapy in the 1940s that helps the client increase self-awareness, freedom, and self-direction. (3)
Existential Therapy - It is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals to confront their existential concerns and to find meaning and purpose in life. The core question in existential therapy is, “How do I exist?” Irvin Yalom developed this therapy focusing on death, isolation, freedom, and emptiness. It is based on the belief that individuals can make choices and shape their lives. (4)
Who Seeks Humanistic Therapy?
Humanistic Therapy can be helpful for a wide range of individuals, including those experiencing mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and relationship problems, as well as those seeking personal growth and self-improvement.
Individuals who may seek humanistic Therapy include:
People who feel stuck or unfulfilled in their lives and are looking to make positive changes
People who have experienced trauma or complex life events and are struggling to process and cope with their emotions
People who have trouble building and maintaining healthy relationships
People who have difficulty communicating their thoughts and feelings effectively
People who have low self-esteem or a negative self-image
People who are seeking greater self-awareness and a deeper understanding of themselves
People who are looking for meaning and purpose in their lives
It is important to note that Humanistic Therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach and may not fit everyone. Therefore, it's always recommended to consult with a mental health professional to determine the best treatment for an individual's needs.
What are the benefits of Humanistic Therapy?
Some of the most common benefits of humanistic Therapy include the following:
It is a gentle form of psychotherapy that strongly focuses on self-discovery. Clients are encouraged to care for themselves as they work through their problems.
Increased self-awareness and understanding of one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Improved ability to communicate effectively and build healthy relationships
Greater sense of personal responsibility and empowerment
Increased self-esteem and a more positive self-image
Improved ability to cope with difficult emotions and life events
Increased sense of meaning and purpose in life
Greater ability to make positive changes in one's life
Reduced symptoms of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression.
It's important to remember that Humanistic Therapy works best when the individual is actively engaged and willing to be open and honest with themselves and the therapist. It's also important to note that progress in therapy can be gradual and may take time to achieve the benefits.
Humanistic therapists emphasize developing trusting relationships with their clients, which can be very helpful for many people who struggle with anxiety disorders or other mental health issues because it allows them to open up about personal topics that might otherwise be difficult for them to discuss with others outside their family members or close friends (who might not understand how hard it can be for some people).
How to Get Started with Humanistic Therapy
It's also worth noting that humanistic Therapy is often combined with other forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral or dialectical behavioral therapy, to provide a comprehensive treatment plan. It's best to consult with a mental health professional to determine the best course of treatment for an individual's specific needs. You can ask for an initial consultation at Phoenix Rising Centers before deciding if Humanistic therapy best fits you. We provide top-notch warm, non-judgmental, and socially justice-aligned therapists. Our therapists are trained to understand each person's unique experience—and they use this knowledge to tailor their approach to fit what's going on in the patient's life at any given moment.
Phoenix Rising Centers therapists that practice Humanistic therapy include:
Rebecca Huffine, She/Her LMHC from Florida, specializes in PTSD, Humanistic, trauma-informed and experiential therapies.
Resources:
study.com. Available at: https://study.com/academy/lesson/abraham-maslows-contribution-to-the-humanistic-movement-in-psychology.html [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].
PhD, S. (2023). Carl Rogers: Founder of the Humanistic Approach to Psychology. [online] simplypsychology.org. Available at: https://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-rogers.html [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].
Chapter 6 --Brief Humanistic and Existential Therapies - Brief Interventions and Brief Therapies for Substance Abuse - NCBI Bookshelf. [online]. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64939/#:~:text=Existential%20therapy%20focuses%20on%20the,some%20humanistic%20approaches%20and%20techniques..
Gestalt Therapy: Definition, Techniques, Efficacy. [online] verywellmind.com. Available at: https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-gestalt-therapy-4584583 [Accessed 1 Jan. 1970].