Humanistic Therapy

Humanistic therapy, also known as humanism, is a therapeutic approach that combines mindfulness and behavioral therapy, with positive social support. Humanistic therapy is grounded in the belief that people are innately good. The focus is on the individual client’s experience, with humanistic therapists believing that that approach is more beneficial and informative than a focus on groups of individuals with similar characteristics. Emphasis is given to creativity, free will, and human potential, with a focus on a person’s positive traits and their ability to use their personal instincts to find wisdom, growth, healing, and fulfillment within themselves. This type of therapy encourages a self-awareness and mindfulness that helps the client change their state of mind and behavior from one set of reactions to a healthier one with more productive and thoughtful actions. Think this approach might be right for you? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s humanistic therapy experts.

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An approach that prioritizes the therapeutic relationship. Providing a safe environment, were the client feels understood and accepted. As Carl Rogers said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” The approach includes multiple modalities which all promote looking in oneself for answers and resources.

— Shannon Kilroy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Glenolden, PA

I believe counseling should be built on a foundation of support, non-judgment, empathy and trust.

— Eliza McBride, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Hillsboro, OR
 

AKA Rogerian therapy; Rogers believed similarly to Maslow, but also believed that the pathway to this actualization is a fertile environment where unconditional positive regard and transparency are present in the room. I am a natural cheerleader of people.

— Gregory Gooden, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in POMONA, CA

We are all connected through our shared experience of being human. Getting to know ourselves is one of the most empowering and healing things we can do. I fully believe that being seen, heard, and witnessed nonjudgmentally by another human is one of the most healing experiences we can have.

— Lindsay Anderson, Professional Counselor Associate in , OR
 

Humanistic therapy is an approach that emphasizes the importance of being your true self in order to lead the most fulfilling version of your life. We will work collaboratively to understand you as a whole person, especially the positive characteristics and protentional growth that can foster change. We will explore the importance of being the authentic self, learn to accept and love yourself, and ultimately to work towards overall growth.

— Michelle Liu, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Glendale, CA

An approach that prioritizes the therapeutic relationship. Providing a safe environment, where the client feels understood and accepted. As Carl Rogers said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” The approach includes multiple modalities which all promote looking in oneself for answers and resources.

— Shannon Kilroy, Licensed Professional Counselor in Glenolden, PA
 

Humanistic therapy is all about focusing on the connecting pieces that make us human. We'll discuss the shared nature of experiences.

— Courtney Latham, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Wayzata, MN

Once complicated feminine experience came to light, terms like ‘objective’ began to define what experience was real & good. Well-being was about some kind of transcendence only available to those who already had safety & freedom. Too many folx have neither. They reach their potential here in the muck of daily life & would flourish in the absence of oppression. My humanistic lens finds the truth of subjective experience for Whole-people-in-context that are unique, inherently good, & autonomous.

— Sarah Kendrick, Mental Health Counselor in Portland, OR
 

I co-created a theory called Compassion Based Awareness Therapy. This theory is rooted in Humanistic, Attachment and Zen. The focus is in bringing awareness to your internal dynamics and how these get played out in relationships. We look through the lens of compassion because people CANNOT learn when they are being run by fear or shame. You are not your thoughts, feelings or behavior; these are clues. Collaboratively, with curiosity & compassion, we explore, uncover, unlearn & relearn.

— Laura Carr, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA

Empathy, genuineness, and a non-judgmental perspective are at the center of my therapeutic relationships. I respect my clients for trying their best to manage the difficulties they face in life.

— Dr. Emma Nowicki, Clinical Psychologist in Washington, DC
 

My goal is to consider the whole person, especially your positive characteristics and potential for growth, not only from my professional perspective but from a your own personal sense of behavior. The emphasis in my sessions is on your positive traits and behaviors and developing your ability to use your instincts to find wisdom, growth, healing, and fulfillment within yourself.

— Jennifer Kaufman Walker, Counselor

Humanistic Therapy is often centered on what is most important to you and focuses on achieving that. In other words, when we know where we want to go, we have to figure out how to get there. Therapy can help you achieve just that.

— Jeremy Henderson-Teelucksingh, Counselor
 

This approach is based on focusing on your potential and your desires to make positive changes in your life in order to find fulfillment. This is client driven in order to have a better understanding of yourself by exploring the impact of the past in the present, the now, and where you want to go in order to unleash your true self.

— Silvia Torres, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Garden City, NY

Humanistic therapy combines mindfulness and behavioral therapy with positive social support. It is grounded in the belief that you are innately good. We focus on your personal experience as an individual. Emphasis is on your creativity, free will and human potential. We explore your positive traits and your innate abilities to find wisdom, growth, healing, and fulfillment in life. This type of therapy encourages self-awareness and mindfulness that helps you grow a positive state of mind.

— Daniel Pagano, PhD, Psychoanalyst in NY, NY
 

If you're human, chances are you have experienced some sort of angst. I see the humanistic and person-centered approaches as two sides of the same coin. As a secular humanist, my values closely align with this methodology in that I love helping my clients realize that they have everything they need to cope with reality. People often just need to be shown how to rediscover their strengths and reminded that it's ok to not be ok.

— Kayce Hodos, Counselor in Wake Forest, NC

I describe myself as a humanistic therapist. What does that mean? Humanistic therapists view their clients as whole people rather than collections of symptoms and problems. Using this lens, I help my clients better understand themselves, develop self-acceptance, focus on personal growth, and live fuller lives.

— Jennifer Beytin, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Arlington, VA
 

Humanistic therapy looks at the whole person, not only from the therapist’s view but from the viewpoint of individuals observing their own behavior. The emphasis is on a person’s positive traits and behaviors, and the ability to use their personal instincts to find wisdom, growth, healing, and fulfillment within themselves.

— Lindsay Lorson, Clinical Social Worker in Traverse City, MI