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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Meet the specialists

 

I primarily operate from a humanistic approach in which healthy human connection is at the core of wellness.

— John Amundson, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, TX

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
 

I view each being as full of wisdom; holding the answers they need within themselves. I work as a support to folks to explore-- to dig deep -- and reach those answers themselves so they can live the life they desire. Looking at their experiences/individual needs, community, and place within systems to explore what their particular needs and desires are moving forward.

— Lydia Blackwell, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Boise, ID

We believe the relationship between clinician and client is the groundwork that leads to effective therapy. Creating a solid connection and mutual respect allows deep work to occur in the therapy room.

— Sprout Therapy PDX, Licensed Professional Counselor in Portland, OR
 

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, Psychotherapist in Portland, OR

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/Person-Centered Therapy is based on the belief that we each have the capacity to grow and self-actualize, when provided with a supportive environment. To create a safe and supportive therapeutic space, I listen with empathy and unconditional positive regard, believing that you are the expert on your own life. I also strive to create a space that is free of judgment, in which we both can be authentic in our expression, and where you can find answers that are true to you.

— Carla Preiss, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

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
 

As a humanistic therapist, I excel in creating a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental environment where you can explore your feelings and experiences. My expertise lies in fostering self-actualization and personal growth by emphasizing your inherent potential and strengths. Through techniques such as active listening and unconditional positive regard, I support you in discovering your true self and achieving greater fulfillment and well-being.

— Kamela Qirjo, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate in Denver, CO

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, Licensed Professional Counselor
 

Humanistic therapy 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 and relating to 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.

— Kim Stevens, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CA

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
 

Humanistic Therapy takes a whole person approach to healing and self growth; looking an individuals social, physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

— Michelle North, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Encinitas, CA

Specializing in humanistic therapy, we will explore your self-actualization, personal values, and how you relate and communicate with others. We will foster your innate capacity for positive change, primarily through the theory of transactional analysis.

— Brianna Campbell, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY
 

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 will always remain firm in my belief that my clients are the experts in their lives and have the potential to reach their goals. I work from a perspective that fuels empowerment and radical self love.

— Dr. Elyssa Helfer, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist
 

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.

— Ellery Wren, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in Plano, TX

My baseline view of therapy is humanistic, specifically Rogerian, therapy. I am in the room with you as another human being, a guide, who is approaching therapy with geniuneness, empathy, and unconditional positive regard. I am here to help you find the answers that you need to uncover within yourself. You are the expert on your life. I am here to listen and to point out the patterns and possibilities you may be overlooking, and to provide a few other handy tools I've learned along the way.

— Kelley O'Hanlon, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Redmond, WA
 

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, Licensed Professional Counselor in , OR

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