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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My orientation is not a technique driven approach, though I will utilize techniques when therapeutically appropriate and combines three orientations. Person Centered Therapy is almost universally utilized by therapists as it emphasizes the relationship between therapist and client, empathy, and unconditional acceptance. Gestalt Therapy is very experiential and focused on in the moment observations. Existential therapy is focused on meaning creation, freedom of choice, and responsibility.

— Christy McCornack, Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado Springs, CO

I believe the client is the expert on themself, and I am here to support their own process. I can provide resources along the way, but I don't have the "answers"--you have them within yourself already.

— Georgie Kelly, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in San Diego, CA
 

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

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
 

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

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

— Leticia Berg, Psychotherapist in Ann Arbor, MI

The most important factor for people achieving their goals in therapy is client-therapist match. I embrace Humanistic Therapy's tenets of empathy and honesty. The therapist is not the "expert" in the client's life, rather, the client has all the power within them to change. The job of the therapist is to act as a compassionate coach, challenging the client, and at the same time being real and authentic.

— Michael Ceely, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Berkeley, CA
 

I draw on Humanistic Therapy by prioritizing the client’s personal growth and individual lived experiences. This approach aligns with my belief in the innate potential of every person to achieve self-actualization. Through creating a nonjudgmental, client-centered space, I help individuals explore their sense of purpose and embrace their authentic selves. By promoting optimism and self-awareness, Humanistic Therapy enables clients to focus on their aspirations and navigate challenges with a rene

— Jahi Corbin, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Sacramento, CA

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
 

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

I incorporate humanistic therapy to foster a supportive, client-centered environment that prioritizes authenticity and self-discovery. This approach emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and active listening, allowing clients to explore their feelings and experiences without judgment. By focusing on personal growth and self-acceptance, I encourage individuals to connect with their inner resources and values. Together, we cultivate a deeper understanding of their unique journey.

— Megan Hunt, Counselor in Orlando, FL
 

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/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 Clinical Mental Health Counselor Associate
 

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

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
 

One of the primary modes of therapy I use is humanistic therapy, which places a strong emphasis on your capacity for self-awareness, self-determination, and personal agency, aiming to facilitate a journey of self-discovery and self-actualization. This therapy is patient-centered, and I focus on you as a whole person, considering your subjective experiences, feelings, and unique perspectives.

— Allison Christopher, Clinical Psychologist in Marietta, GA

Through a humanistic lens, my sessions tend to be less-structured and focused more on supporting and understanding you without any judgment.

— Kimberly Jaso, Mental Health Counselor in New York, NY
 

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