Humanistic Therapy

Synonyms

Client centered therapy; Depth therapy; Gestalt therapy; Holistic health; Humanistic psychology; Person-centered therapy

Definition

A genuine, non-judgmental, and empathic model of therapy that uses open-ended responses, reflective listening and tentative interpretations to promote client self-understanding.

Description

Humanistic Therapy overlaps considerably with other existential approaches and emphasizes the growth and fulfillment of the self (self-actualization) through self-mastery, self-examination and creative expression. It holds a hopeful, constructive view of human beings and the individual's substantial capacity to be self-determining. By and large, this therapeutic approach works with present (rather than past) occurrences and attitudes with a goal of client growth and fulfillment. Humanistic psychology acknowledges that an individual's mind is strongly influenced by ongoing determining forces in both their unconscious and in the world