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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I have a deep seated belief that people, at any given time, are genuinely doing their best which is supported, not by optimism, but by the evidence of how my clients have shown me that they live their lives. I have time and again found that focusing on personal growth while accounting for the whole person and their environment most often leads to to positive results.

— Kya Grey, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

You're human! I'm human! That's where we're all starting from, meaning that we're therapist and client second. So I know I'm going to mess up from time to time; I invite you to take a chance and mess up sometimes too. Let's own what happens and get into the muck together. In the meantime, I really believe in your strengths (and will highlight them A LOT), and will work SIDE-BY-SIDE with you to figure out what you need and how to get it.

— Brian Jones, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WA
 

I’m drawn to humanistic therapy because I see people as so much more than a diagnosis or a set of symptoms. I strive to create a space where you feel truly heard, understood, and accepted. With a deep respect for your individuality, I focus on empathy, self-compassion, and personal growth, helping you build a kinder relationship with yourself and move forward in a way that feels authentic and meaningful.

— Betsy Bowman, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Los Angeles, CA

As a humanistic therapist, I help guide clients toward aligning their identities with their inner desires and potential. I want my clients to receive the greatest possible fulfillment from their lives.

— Brent Armour, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in HOUSTON, TX
 

In my therapeutic practice, Humanistic Therapy serves as a guiding philosophy, placing paramount importance on the unique experiences and innate potential of each individual. Rooted in empathy, authenticity, and the belief in personal growth, this approach creates a therapeutic alliance where clients feel genuinely seen and understood.

— Alex Kawliche, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Tampa, FL

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
 

Humanistic therapy is rooted in the belief that individuals have the capacity for self-awareness, personal growth, and positive change. I create a safe space for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions which emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness in the therapeutic relationship. I believe in a growth-oriented perspective that aligns with the belief in individuals' capacity for self-understanding, insight and self-compassion.

— Allison Glorioso, Mental Health Counselor in Fort Myers, FL

My counseling work is strengths-based, humanistic, somatic, and existential. My role as a trauma-aware holistic counselor blends all that I have learned over time in service to safe integration and resolution. I facilitate the therapeutic process from a place of collaboration, navigating the path to your therapeutic goals while holding space for your long-term vision and purpose. I aim to provide a context where healing and growth happen.

— Erin Mullins, Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WA
 

Humanistic psychology (humanism) is grounded in the belief that people are innately good. This type of psychology holds that morality, ethical values, and good intentions are the driving forces of behavior, while adverse social or psychological experiences can be attributed to deviations from natural tendencies. Self actualization is the key here. With all three of my orientations, my goal is that we work together, and I see you as a human, and someone who shares common goals, aspirations, and desires that a majority of us have. By viewing the 'whole' you and how you relate to your world, I gain a clear understanding and capacity to work with you to create a safe space to do the work together. I am right there with you every step of the way.

— Adrian Scharfetter, Sex Therapist in Sacramento, CA

Humanistic therapy maintains a strong emphasis on the client’s subjective experience, insight, and autonomous decision making. As a clinician, it is my role to walk alongside clients through their own process with genuine empathy and unconditional positive regard. I value the attention to context that a humanistic approach allows by recognizing environmental and diversity factors as integral to understanding the client’s subjective experience.

— Jessica Bartmann, Clinical Psychologist in Greenwood Village, CO
 

The most important factor in therapy is the relationship between the therapist and client. This is a unique relationship and with time and patience, a trust develops that helps the work go deeper. As a therapist, I hope to become your ally - someone you can trust and with whom you can feel safe to let down your defenses to work on core issues. I create an environment of non-judgment that encourages you to share your embarrassments and shame.

— Jerry Moreau, Marriage & Family Therapist in San Diego, CA

I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship, as I believe it serves as the cornerstone for effective treatment. I’ve witnessed how powerful it can be when someone, for the first time, truly feels seen, accepted, and encouraged. I maintain a nonjudgmental approach with unconditional acceptance in my practice.

— Anna Athanasoulis, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Arcadia, CA
 

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

I consider myself an expert in humanistic therapy because of my extensive training and experience in the field. I truly believe in the importance of personal growth, self-actualization, and the therapeutic relationship. My deep understanding of concepts like empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity helps me support my clients as they explore their feelings and experiences. I strive to create a safe and nurturing environment for them to discover their true selves.

— Nicole Penick, Psychologist
 

“The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction, not a destination.” – Carl Rogers Rooted in humanistic theory, I believe healing is a journey of growth and self-discovery. I walk alongside you, offering support, guidance, and tools to navigate life’s challenges. As a witness to your experiences, a guide to help you find your path, and a cheerleader for your progress, I empower you to move toward a more authentic, fulfilling life.

— Margaret Bell, Counselor in Denver, CO

I am trained in Humanistic Therapy, which emphasizes the importance of a person’s self-awareness, personal growth, and potential. I create a warm, nonjudgmental space where clients feel understood and accepted. By fostering self-compassion and exploring feelings, I help clients reconnect with their authentic selves, facilitating healing and self-empowerment. This approach is particularly effective for those seeking personal growth and deeper emotional fulfillment.

— Joseph Chung, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist
 

Humanistic therapy is a mental health approach that emphasizes 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 unique way of looking at the world. This view can impact your choices and actions.Humanistic therapy 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’s harder to develop your full potential

— Tabitha Ford, Licensed Clinical Social Worker