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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Compassion/mindfulness are key to being a healthy loving human being.

— Dr. Thomas O'Malley Psy.D LMFT, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Beverly Hills, CA

In my quest to deconstruct the controlling beliefs of my conservative Christian upbringing, I felt drawn to the principles of humanism. Specifically, I studied existential therapy throughout my graduate studies. I have written on the topics of humanism and therapy, and I continue to study philosophy in an attempt to better understand how to connect to diverse people in therapy.

— Lee Kinsey, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Boston, MA
 

People want to reach their potential and become self-actualized. This therapy style is more about the person doing the therapy than the techniques. Clinicians who practice humanistic therapy generally follow Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow's principle of person-centered therapy. It is a positive approach and focuses on the here and now of a person's life.

— Dr. Evelyn Comber, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Rockford, IL

Centers personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent value and worth of every individual, with a focus on the present moment and subjective experience.

— Jacob Mergendoller, Licensed Master of Social Work in New York, NY
 

In humanistic therapy, we emphasize self-awareness, personal growth, and self-actualization. We believe in your innate potential to lead a fulfilling life and reach your highest potential when provided with the right conditions and support. In our therapeutic relationship, we create a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment where we can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences openly and honestly. Together, we will embark on a journey of self-exploration and self-acceptance.

— Danna Blumenau, Student Therapist in Frisco, TX

I believe the rewarding process of repairing our connection with ourselves and others can only take place in relationships built with warmth, authenticity, open communication, consent, and compassion. I will work with you to create a supportive relationship that is warmly attuned to your moment-to-moment experience, and reflects your innate goodness and dignity. I hold the view that all human behaviors and emotions are attempts to care for ourselves and others, even the ones which challenge us.

— Jack Dickey, Counselor in Denver, CO
 

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, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in , NC

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
 

Carl Rogers taught us to value the client, not to look down on them like idiots who do not know what is going on in their own life. Therapists should collaborate with the client with sincere respect. One of the chief cornerstones is genuineness with the client. A sincere relationship, not just a simple paid cold-hearted client.

— Monte Miller, Psychologist in Austin, TX

The first approach I learned about therapy has remained my favorite - the relationship I build together with my clients is the core of any growth or progress there is to be made. I am human, just like you, not an omniscient knower-of-all-things. With every client I have ever worked with, there has been at least one moment where we talk not of mood, fears, or challenges, but of a hilarious movie, favorite music, or whether the Red Sox should make the trade. I meet you wherever you're at that day.

— Laura Knudsen, Counselor in Newton, MA
 

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

A foundation of humanistic therapy is recognizing the potential of each individual and helping them to actualize this. Everyone, at times, struggles in actualizing their potential. Roadblocks to personal growth often lead to anxiety, doubt, insecurity, and depression. Self-awareness, self-acceptance, and growth toward actualizing one's potential are important components of overcoming a variety of personal, emotional, ad relational problems.

— Louis Hoffman, Psychologist in Colorado Springs, CO
 

My approach is informed by Carl Rogers and Eugene Gendlin's contributions to Humanistic therapies which prioritizes the inherent capacity for growth and healing within all individuals. I specialize in humanistic techniques like empathic listening, focusing on immediate experiences, and fostering self-awareness to create an environment where clients can engage in self-exploration and meaning-making. I am a member of the APA-division of Humanistic Psychology.

— Travis Musich, Post-Doctoral Fellow in Chicago, IL

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
 

I am a Certified Daring Way™ Facilitator; this helps me support my clients around topics such as vulnerability, courage, shame, and worthiness. The work invites people to examine the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that are holding them back and identify the new choices and practices that will move them toward more authentic and wholehearted living. The primary focus is on developing shame resilience skills and developing daily practices that transform the way we live, love, parent, and lead.

— Amy Emery, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Boston, MA

My Master's Degree is from a psychology program that specialized in Humanistic Therapy.

— Leticia Berg, Psychotherapist in Ann Arbor, MI
 

My approach is grounded in the humanistic belief that each person contains the potential for growth and development. When you are in therapy with me, you get to set the agenda for each session, and my focus is on helping you be the version of yourself that you want - not what others want for you.

— Benjamin Wyatt, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Indianapolis, IN