Humanistic Therapy: Philosophy, Methods and Goals Essay

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Introduction

Humanistic therapy is a technique that therapist has adopted in order to clearly understand the client’s subjective, personal consciousness and experiences. The central idea is the current experiences of the client. The main type of humanistic psychoanalysis is person-centered therapy which encompasses certain philosophies and various methods and goals. Due to disparity in views and opinions from different pioneers about human therapy, no specific theory or philosophy has been adopted to explain this. The main driving idea is the present of the consistent themes that characterized all the material and explanations put forward by these pioneers (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2004).

One main thread or philosophy that runs through humanistic therapy is the emphasis on the whole person. This thread is common among all the material put forward by these different pioneers. A whole person in this case entirely means existence of human being on the very five levels- the body, feelings that a person possesses, the intellect of an individual, transpersonal self and spirit. More important is the justification of all the levels in order to realize the potential of human being. The fact that for one to be self, he or she should be in all the five levels is the driving theme in all the materials put forward to explain the humanistic therapy (Jeffrey & Nevid, 2006).

Another philosophy that runs through humanistic therapy is the emphasis on change and development. Human beings are never static but are undergoing process of development which is considered to be natural and of great importance. Substantial changes are realized when one is undergoing several stages i.e. from infancy, childhood to adolescence. Basic attitudes and the way we view ourselves is incorporated in all these stages. In the adult stage, people are viewed as complete, more evolved and more of themselves. The humanistic psychology postulates that human being could continue to grow if there is no limit for this (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2004).

The third important philosophy of humanistic therapy is abundance motivation. Human actions are driven by deficiency i.e. lack of something. These may be food, safety, sense of belonging or company and the person strive as much as he or she can to get all these needs for better living. In addition, it is important to acknowledge the fact that human beings are motivated by achievements, curiosity and desire for certain experiences which takes them out of deficiency. By realizing their potential, human beings are repairing their deficiency in any way but going into the world where they can be of more importance than they could do (Jeffrey & Nevid, 2006).

Methods

There are several methods of humanistic therapy but here are few examples.

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy– Emphasize on the role of our thoughts, human feelings and what human beings do (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2004)
  • Eclectic– It involves incorporation of several approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy. In this case, therapists work with their clients in order to enable the clients gets a treatment plan that encompasses different techniques and orientations (Jeffrey & Nevid, 2006)
  • Forensic psychology– Forensic psychologists are professionals who can offer expert legal opinion in criminal and civil matters. Their work encompasses psychological autopsies and personal psychology competency to stand trial evaluation and more so provide treatment to people who finds themselves in court due their behaviors (Jeffrey & Nevid, 2006)

Goals of humanistic therapy

The main goal of humanistic therapy is to assist the clients to realize their abilities so as to cope up with everyday situations. It is used to enable a client to fully functioning in all his her capacity. According to early pioneers, a fully functioning person should be open to experience and has the ability to change with situations (Gerrig & Zimbardo, 2004).

Reference List

Jeffrey, S. & Nevid (2006). Abnormal Psychology in a Changing World. 100-140

Gerrig, R. & Zimbardo (2004). Life and Psychology. New York. 120-158

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