Humanistic psychology is based on the belief that humans are unique beings and should be recognised and treated as such by psychologists and psychiatrists.
According to humanistic psychologists, behaviourists are too concerned with the scientific study and analysis of actions (to the point that they neglect basic aspects of individuals). And psychoanalyst, they feel, emphasises too much on one’s early experiences as the driving force behind one’s behaviour. The humanist, however, focuses on the fullest growth of the individual.
Humanistic therapy is a mental health approach that emphasises the importance of being your true self in order to lead the most fulfilling life. It’s based on the principle that everyone has their own way of looking at the world.
It also involves a core belief that people are good at heart and capable of making the right choices for themselves. If you don’t hold yourself in high regard, it’ll be harder for you to develop your full potential.
Self-acceptance is accomplished through unconditional positive regard, both from others and from yourself. When you believe that others only respect you if you act a certain way, it’s easy to fall into the trap of constantly feeling like you aren’t enough. This feeling of worthlessness, in turn, tends to negatively impact how you view both yourself and the world around you.
It is worth a shot for anyone looking for ways to make their life more fulfilling, regardless of whether they have an underlying mental health condition. And also worth considering if they’ve previously had trouble building a rapport with therapists.
Whether a humanistic approach fits your needs can depend on what you want to get out of therapy. Humanistic therapies typically don’t make diagnosis a priority and may not work toward specific treatment goals.
If you have specific symptoms or behaviours you’d like to address or are seeking therapy with a clear goal for diagnosis and treatment, you might find a different approach more helpful. On the other hand, it may be a good fit if you’re simply feeling stuck or in a rut.
The writer is a Clinical Psychologist determined to break the stigma around mental health. He provides psychological services to overcome emotional turmoil and dysfunctional thoughts, allowing individuals to lead more meaningful and fulfilling lives.