Humanistic therapy grew out ofhumanistic psychology, a perspective that stresses that people are innately good.
By emphasizing a person’s skills and positive characteristics, it encourages people to heal and find personal fulfillment.
Find out which option is the best for you.
SDI Productions / Getty Images
Types of Humanistic Therapy
There are a number of different types of humanistic therapy.
Therapists utilize these techniques to support people as they develop greater self-awareness.
This may be in part because these approaches focus less on measurable symptoms and outcomes.
However, humanistic therapy has been used to treat a range of different mental health conditions.
Those who are interested in maximizing their potential and growing as a person may benefit from humanistic therapies.
Because it fosters self-esteem andself-efficacy, you’ll feel more capable as you deal with challenges.
Things to Consider
Humanistic therapy is a pop in of talk therapy.
It is holistic, so expect it to cover many different aspects of your life.
Your therapist will act as a supportive and empathetic guide.
Rather than viewing your therapist as a teacher or authority figure, they will instead be equal.
This may be difficult if you prefer a more structured approach.
It is important to recognize that humanistic therapy doesn’t address specific problems.
You should consider your needs and goals before deciding if humanistic therapy is right for you.
You might ask your primary health care provider for a referral to a professional in your area.
Another option is to search an online therapist directory, which is essentially a virtual phonebook for therapists.
On many directories, it’s possible for you to search for specific therapeutic approaches, including humanistic.
Thir M, Batthyany A.The state of empirical research on logotherapy and existential analysis.
In: Batthyany A, ed.Logotherapy and Existential Analysis.
APA Dictionary of Psychology.
2012;32(4):280-291. doi:10.1016/j.cpr.2012.01.003
Erekson DM, Lambert MJ.Client-centered therapy.
In:The Encyclopedia of Clinical Psychology.
In: Lago C, Charura D, eds.
McGraw-Hill/Open University Press; 2016:223-232.
Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy.
