Main Ideas Of The Humanistic Approach

When covering the Humanistic perspective, several major ideas associate with it. Although the main idea when it comes to this theory is to focus the attention on an individual in its entirety. This requires that individuals have free will, we can develop into our highest potential which leads to reaching self - actualization. Unlike Freud's Psychoanalytic theory which was deterministic, meaning that our behavior is fixed on our unconscious desires. Freud’s theory also focuses only on a certain amount of people who have these mental conflicts, not all people. The Humanistic perspective focuses on the conscious mind, as opposed to the opposite of Freud, who focused on the unconscious mind. The Humanistic perspective states that people are fundamentally good and are self-motivated to improve. Due to wanting to always improve this is caused by wanting to reach self-actualization. “Self - actualization is the realization or fulfillment of one's talents and potentialities, especially considered as a drive or need present in everyone” ( Cherry, Kendra).

The first major theorist behind the Humanistic perspective is Abraham Maslow. Maslow created the hierarchy of needs which can be depicted using a pyramid, due to all of our needs being built upon each other. By forming the base of the pyramid we must first fulfill our physiological needs and then once that is completed we can work our way up the pyramid. Second, our need for safety must be fulfilled which comes after our physiological needs. After, our need for love must be fulfilled, and then self-esteem. After reaching all of our needs, we can finally reach the top of the pyramid which is self - actualization. When looking into the characteristics of self-actualizing people, the first characteristic present is being self-aware. As well as being caring, wise and focusing their energy on a task that is the mission of their life. Instead of thinking about the basic aspects of life, they are more so striving to think broader. In Maslow's beliefs about Self - actualization, he concluded that only about 1% actually will reach Self- actualization. Although the average person may seek to self-actualize they most likely will not get to that point.

The second major theorist was Carol Rogers, he claimed that self-actualization is a consent-growth process that is nurtured in a growth-promoting climate. In this climate, two conditions need to be met. First growth is nurtured when an individual is being genuine. One must be open about themselves and true to who one is. The second condition that must be met is that growth is nurtured through acceptance, this being acceptance through others. For example, even though parents may become upset with their children and punish them for wrongdoings, they still love and care about them regardless of what they have done to be punished. This is what allows us to live up to the ideals of our true self versus the ideal self that is bounded by conditions that people can rarely live up to. Both Maslow and Rogers stated at an essential feature of our personality is self-concept. Self-concept can be achieved when being our genuineness and acceptance together to achieve this growth-promoting climate.

Today in therapist practices the Humanistic approach is used to treat a variety of mental illnesses, some of which include depression, panic disorders, anxiety, personality disorders, schizophrenia, and addiction. The humanistic approach in therapy can also be known as a sort of talk therapy in which the therapist can talk to the patient and get a feel for how they feel here and now. This is more beneficial than trying to relive past events and instances that have led them to their current feelings. When going to therapy the last thing you want to feel is a sense of judgment or a feeling of uncomfort, the humanistic approach helps patients feel comfortable with their therapist in a supportive environment as well as having trust between the two. Instead of feeling overpowered by the therapist, there is an equal relationship between client and therapist present which can also create a sense of ease. Characteristics such as empathy, a sense of warmth, understanding, and nonjudgment are all present in a therapist who practices the humanistic approach.