HUMANISTIC

PSYCHOLOGY
 INTRODUCTION
What Is Humanism?

Humanism is a philosophy that stresses the importance of human factors rather than looking at
religious, divine, or spiritual matters. Humanism is rooted in the idea that people have an ethical
responsibility to lead lives that are personally fulfilling while at the same time contributing to the
greater good for all people. Humanism stresses the importance of human values and dignity. It proposes
that people can resolve problems through the use of science and reason. Rather than looking to religious
traditions, humanism instead focuses on helping people live well, achieve personal growth, and make
the world a better place.
 TYPES OF HUMANISM
The term "humanism" is often used more broadly, but it also has significance in a number of different fields including
psychology.

Humanistic Psychology
This area of psychology emerged during the 1950s as a reaction to psychoanalysis and behaviorism, which had dominated
psychology during the first half of the century. Psychoanalysis was focused on understanding the unconscious motivations
that drive behavior while behaviorism studied the conditioning processes that produce behavior.
Humanist thinkers felt that both psychoanalysis and behaviorism were too pessimistic, either focusing on the most tragic
of emotions or failing to take into account the role of personal choice.
However, it is not necessary to think of these three schools of thought as competing elements. Each branch of
psychology has contributed to our understanding of the human mind and behavior.

Religious Humanism
Some religious traditions incorporate elements of humanism as part of their belief systems. Examples of religious
humanism include Quakers, Lutherans, and Unitarian Universalists.

Secular Humanism
Secular humanism rejects all religious beliefs, including the existence of the supernatural. This approach stresses the
importance of logic, the scientific method, and rationality when it comes to understanding the world and solving human
problems.
 HISTORY OF HUMANISM
 The early development of humanistic psychology was heavily influenced by the works of a few key
theorists, especially Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers. Other prominent humanist thinkers
included Rollo May and Erich Fromm.
 In 1943, Abraham Maslow described his hierarchy of needs in "A Theory of Human Motivation"
published in Psychological Review. Later during the late 1950s, Abraham Maslow and other
psychologists held meetings to discuss developing a professional organization devoted to a more
humanist approach to psychology.
 They agreed that topics such as self-actualization, creativity, individuality, and related topics were
the central themes of this new approach. In 1951, Carl Rogers published "Client-Centered
Therapy," which described his humanistic, client-directed approach to therapy. In 1961,
the Journal of Humanistic Psychology was established.
 It was also in 1961 that the American Association for Humanistic Psychology was formed and by
1971, humanistic psychology become an APA division. In 1962, Maslow published "Toward a
Psychology of Being," in which he described humanistic psychology as the "third force" in
psychology. The first and second forces were behaviorism and psychoanalysis respectively.
MASLOW’S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS
 HUMANISTIC THEORY
The humanistic theory says that individuals have free will and that we can actively develop ourselves to
our highest potential and reach self-actualization. So "free will" is an important word. And the term "self-
actualization" is also another defining word in this theory. So the primary difference between Freud's
psychoanalytic theory and humanism is that Freud's theory was deterministic. So his theory says our
behavior is determined by our unconscious desires. His theory also focuses on individuals who have these
mental conflicts and not all people. Now, the humanistic theory focuses on the conscious as opposed to the
unconscious. And it also says that people are inherently good, and that we are self-motivated to improve.
And we want to always improve because we want to reach self-actualization.
Humanistic psychologists look at human behavior not only through the eyes of the observer, but through
the eyes of the person doing the behaving. Humanistic psychologists believe that an individual's behavior
is connected to inner feelings and self-image. Unlike the behaviorists, humanistic psychologists
believe that humans are not solely the product of their environment.
 SELF-ACTUALIZATIOIN BY MASLOW’S
Maslow, viewed self-actualization as the realization of one’s potential. Maslow pointed out that human
beings have lower order needs which must be generally met before their higher order needs can be
satiated, such as self-actualization. He categorized those needs as follows :

Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

1. Basic needs:
a. Physiological needs (ex- water, food, warmth and rest).
b. Safety needs (ex- safety and security).
2. Psychological needs.
a. Belongingness needs (ex- close relationships with loved ones and friends).
b. Esteem needs (ex- feeling of accomplishment and prestige).
3. Self-actualization needs (realizing one’s full potential).
 SELF-ACTUALIZATION BY ROGER

Carl Rogers believed that for a person to achieve self-actualization they must be in a state of
congruence. This means that self-actualization occurs when a person’s “ideal self” (i.e., who they would
like to be) is congruent with their actual behavior (self-image).

Rogers believed that three different components constitute the self-concept: self-worth, self-
image and ideal self. Let's define each of these components. First, self-worth, or self-esteem, is the set of
beliefs we hold about ourselves. For Rogers, self-worth was heavily influenced by early childhood. He
believed that for positive self-worth to develop, it was important for children to receive unconditional
positive regard. Unconditional positive regard is acceptance no matter what a person says or does and
support in spite of mistakes and shortcomings. As a therapist, Rogers tried to provide unconditional
positive regard for his clients.
 CONCEPT OF SELF
INCONGRUENT CONGRUENT

SELF-IMAGE SELF-IMAGE IDEAL-

IDEAL-SELF
SELF

 The self-image is different to ideal-  The self-image is similar to the

self. ideal-self.
 There is only a little overlap.  There is more overlap.
 Here self-actualization will be  This person can self-actualize.
difficult.
 CHARACTERISTIC OF SELF-ACTUALIZERS
 They Possess Self-Acceptance: Self-actualized
people accept themselves and others as they are. They tend to lack
inhibition and are able to enjoy themselves and their lives free of
guilt. Not only do self-actualized people fully accept themselves,
they also embrace other people for who they are.
 They Are Realistic: Another major characteristic of self-
actualized people is a sense of realism. Rather than being fearful of
things that are different or unknown, the self-actualized individual
is able to view life as it unfolds both logically and rationally.
 They Tend to Be Problem-Centered: Self-actualized
individuals are often motivated by a strong sense of personal ethics
and responsibility. They enjoy applying their problem-solving
skills to real-world situations and they like helping other people
improve their own lives.
 The Self-Actualized Person Is Autonomous: Self-
actualized people also tend to be very independent. They don't
conform to other people's ideas of happiness or contentment.
This original perspective allows the individual to live in the
moment and appreciate the beauty of each experience.
 They Enjoy Solitude and Privacy: Self-actualized
individuals value their privacy and enjoy solitude. While they also
love the company of others, taking time to themselves is essential
for their personal discovery and cultivating their individual
potential.
 They Have a Philosophical Sense of Humor: Self-
actualized individuals generally have a thoughtful sense of humor.
They're able to enjoy the humor in situations and laugh at
themselves, but they don't ridicule or joke at the expense of another
person's feelings.
 Self-Actualized People Are Spontaneous: Another
characteristic of self-actualized people is a tendency to be open,
unconventional, and spontaneous. While these people are able to
follow generally accepted social expectations, they don't feel
confined by these norms in their thoughts or behaviors.
 They Fully Enjoy the Journey, Not Just the
Destination: While self-actualized people have concrete
goals, they don't see things as simply a means to an end.
The journey toward achieving a goal is just as important and
enjoyable as actually accomplishing the goal.
EXAMPLES OF SELF-ACTUALIZED PEOPLE
Noteworthy herein are the diversity of occupations and the variety of the backgrounds which
these individuals represent while still meeting the criteria of self-actualization.

 Abraham Lincoln (1809-1865; American President)

 Albert Einstein (1879- 1955; Theoretical Physicist)
 Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965; Writer, Humanitarian, Theologian, Organist, Philosopher,
and Physician)
 Aldous Huxley (1894- 1963; Philosopher and Writer)
 Baruch Spinoza (1632- 1677; Philosopher)
 Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962; Diplomat and Activist)
 Jane Addams (1860-1935; Settlement Activist, Sociologist, Public Administrator)
 Thomas Jefferson (1743- 1826; American President, Architect, Philosopher)
 William James (1842- 1910; Philosopher and Psychologist)
APPROACHES TO HUMANISTIC THERAPY
Empathy is one of the most important aspects of humanistic therapy. This idea focuses on the
therapist’s ability to see the world through the eyes of the client. Without empathy, the therapist
is no longer understanding the actions and thoughts of the client from the client’s perspective,
but is understanding strictly as a therapist, which defeats the purpose of humanistic therapy.

Another key element is unconditional positive regard, which refers to the care that the therapist
needs to have for the client. Unconditional positive regard is characterized by warmth,
acceptance, and non-judgment. This ensures that the therapist does not become the authority
figure in the relationship, and allows for a more open flow of information, as well as a kinder
relationship between the two. A therapist practicing humanistic therapy needs to show a
willingness to listen and ensure the comfort of the client by creating an environment where
genuine feelings may be shared but are not forced upon someone.
 TYPES & TECHNIQUES OF HUMANISTIC
THERAPY
There are two types in humanistic therapy:
1. Gestalt Therapy
2. Client-Centered Therapy

1. Gestalt Therapy
 Gestalt therapy was developed by “Fritz Perls,” with the help of his wife at the time, Laura Perls,
and introduced in the 1940s as an alternative to more traditional psychoanalysis.
 Along with others, such as Paul Goodman, they worked together to develop a style of therapy that
was humanistic in nature
 Gestalt therapy is a humanistic, holistic, person-centred form of psychotherapy that is focused on an
individual's present life and challenges rather than delving into past experiences.
 TECHNIQUES IN GESTALT THERAPY
Experience Influences Perception
 In this client-centred approach to therapy, the Gestalt therapist understands that no one can be fully
objective and that we are influenced by our environment and our experiences.

Context Matters
 When in session, Gestalt therapists want to learn about the experience of their clients. It is understood
that context matters and the therapists use techniques to help the client become more aware of their
experiences, their perceptions, and their responses to events in the here and now.

The Present
 The main hallmark of Gestalt therapy is the focus on the present. In the session, the client and
therapist rapport is critical in building trust and safety. As the client shares, a Gestalt therapist will
help bring the client back to the present if there is a sense they are spending too much time in the past
or if their anxiety may be speeding them into the future.

Working Through Pain

 A Gestalt therapist understands that things such as painful memories or events will come to
awareness when the client is ready for healing in that area.
 TYPES OF GESTALT EXERCISES

Words and Language

 Attention to language and tone is important in Gestalt therapy. As clients learn to accept responsibility, they
learn to use language that reflects a sense of personal ownership rather than focusing on others.
 For example, rather than saying, "If he didn't do that I wouldn't get so mad!" a client might be encouraged to
say, "I feel mad when he does that because it makes me feel insignificant and I don't like that."
 The use of "I" statements is important in Gestalt therapy.

Empty Chair
 This is a role-playing exercise that allows a client to imagine and participate in a conversation with another
person or another part of themselves. Sitting across from the empty chair, the client enters into a dialogue as if
they were speaking with that other person or that other part of themselves.

Role Play
 Another example of role-playing might be what is referred to as "top dog and underdog." In this, it is
recognized that a client has different parts of self. Similar to the empty chair, the client speaks as both the top
dog, which is the more demanding side of their personality and the underdog, which is the more submissive and
obedient side of their personality.
 CONT:
Body Language
 During a session, a Gestalt therapist will observe the client's body language and movement such as tapping their foot,
wringing their hands, or making a certain facial expression. The therapist is likely to mention their observation of
this and ask what is happening for the person at that moment.

Exaggeration
 In addition to giving body language a voice, a Gestalt therapist may inquire about the client's body language. If it is
difficult for the client to find words to put to what is happening, they may be asked to exaggerate that motion or
repeat it several times in a row for a period of time during the session to draw out some of their experience at that
moment.

Locating Emotion
 During a session, it is common for people to talk about emotion. Talking about emotion is different than experiencing
an emotion. As a client talks about emotion, the therapist may ask them where they feel that emotion in their body.

Creative Arts
 Additional activities such as painting, sculpting, and drawing can also be used to help people gain awareness, stay
present, and learn how to process the moment. It is generally noted in this style that any technique that can be
offered to the client, other than traditional sitting still and talking, can be helpful in allowing them to become more
aware of themselves, their experiences, and their process of healing.
 CONT:

2. Clien-Centred Therapy

 Client-centred therapy, also known as person-centred therapy or Rogerian therapy, is a non-

directive form of talk therapy developed by humanist psychologist Carl Rogers during the 1940s and
1950s. In this approach, you act as an equal partner in the therapy process, while your therapist
remains non-directive—they don't pass judgments on your feelings or offer suggestions or solutions.
 Rogers also suggested that people have a self-actualizing tendency, or a desire to fulfil their potential
and become the best that they can be. His form of therapy was intended to allow clients to fulfil that
potential by relying on their own strength to change.
 Initially, Rogers called his technique "non-directive therapy." Much like psychoanalyst Sigmund
Freud, Rogers believed that the therapeutic relationship could lead to insights and lasting changes in
clients.
TECHNIQUES IN CLIENT-CENTRED THERAPY
Genuineness and Congruence
 Client-centred therapists display genuineness and congruence with their clients. This means they always act in accordance with
their own thoughts and feelings, allowing themselves to share openly and honestly.
 This requires self-awareness and a realistic understanding of how internal experiences, like thoughts and feelings, interact with
external experiences. By modelling genuineness and congruence, your therapist can help teach you these important skills .

Unconditional Positive Regard

 Your therapist will show unconditional positive regard by always accepting you for who you are and displaying support and
care no matter what you are facing or experiencing. They may express positive feelings to you or offer reassurance, or they
may practice active listening, responsive eye contact, and positive body language to let you know that they're engaged in the
session.

Empathetic Understanding
 Your therapist will also practice empathy during sessions, acting as a mirror of your feelings and thoughts. They will seek to
understand you and maintain an awareness and sensitivity to your experience and your point of view.
 The goal is to help you build a rapport with your therapist and ensure that you feel fully understood. This may provide you with
the environment you need to reflect on your own inner thoughts, perceptions, and emotions, which may offer unique insights
you didn't have access to previously.
 EFFECTIVENESS
Gestalt Therapy
 Research suggests that Gestalt therapy can be effective
for treating a variety of conditions including anxiety and
personality disorders and is at least as effective as other
psychotherapy approaches.
 One study on people with anxiety in Hong Kong found
that four weeks of Gestalt therapy resulted in lower
levels of anxiety, less avoidance of inner experience, and
more mindfulness and kindness toward oneself. Self-
judgment was not influenced, however.
 A study on divorced women found that 12 sessions of
Gestalt therapy improved the women's self-efficacy, or
ability to cope.
 One study on individuals with bipolar disorder found
Gestalt therapy to be an effective outpatient treatment
for not only improving symptoms of the disorder but
helping individuals to improve in their social, work, and
school lives.
Client-Centred Therapy
 Several studies have shown that the techniques used in
client-centred therapy are beneficial.
 Genuineness and congruence appear to lead to better
outcomes, especially when they are used in school
counselling settings.
 Unconditional positive regard is also effective,
particularly at improving overall well-being for people
with mood or anxiety disorders.
 Empathetic understanding appears to promote positive
outcomes, especially for people experiencing depression
and anxiety
 It's not clear if these factors alone are enough to promote
lasting change in clients. Outcomes for clients may also
depend on their perception of their therapist—if they
don't see their therapist as empathetic, for instance, they
may not experience positive results from treatment
WHAT KIND OF DISORDERS THEY TREAT?

 Depression
 Anxiety
 Panic Disorders
 Personality Disorders
 Schizophrenia
 Addiction
 Relationship Issues (Family Relationship)
 Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
 COMPARISON WITH PSYCHOANALYSIS
& BEHAVIORISM
Humanistic therapy differs from more traditional approaches, such as psychoanalysis or behavioral therapy.

Psychoanalysis

 The basic premise behind psychoanalytic theory is that inner drives, unconscious motives, and unresolved
needs from childhood govern our development. A method of analyzing psychic phenomena and treating
emotional disorders that involves treatment sessions during which the patient is encouraged to talk freely
about personal experiences and especially about early childhood and dreams.
 One of the largest criticisms of the psychoanalytic theory is that it places far to much emphasis on childhood.
... One other criticism of his theory was directed on his idea of the unconscious mind. Critics stated that the
unconscious mind did not consist of hidden or repressed, passionate emotions.
 CONT:
Behaviorism

 Behaviorism was formally established with the 1913 publication of John B.

 Behaviorism focuses on the idea that all behaviors are learned through interaction with the environment.
This learning theory states that behaviors are learned from the environment, and says that innate or
inherited factors have very little influence on behavior.
 Many critics argue that behaviorism is a one-dimensional approach to understanding human behavior and
that behavioral theories do not account for free will and internal influences such as moods, thoughts and
feelings. It only considers what is observable and measurable, well in fact there are various unseen aspects
of an individual that are very vital in his or her personalities and learning capabilities. Behaviorism does
not account for other types of learning.
 CONT:
Humanistic Approach

 The humanistic approach emphasizes the personal worth of the individual, the centrality of human values,
and the creative, active nature of human beings. The approach is optimistic and focuses on the noble human
capacity to overcome hardship, pain and despair.
 To start, humanistic therapy tends to focus more on your current day-to-day life. This is very different from
other approaches that tend to focus on your past experiences, including those you might not be aware of.
 Humanistic therapy also focuses more on helping the individual as a whole, rather than treating a specific
diagnosis. A humanistic therapist will often do this through active listening. This means that they’ll listen
carefully to your words, making sure they fully understand what you’re saying. They may stop you to ask
follow-up questions.
 Humanistic therapists work from the idea that you are the expert in your difficulties. They’ll support the
direction you take each session, trusting you to know what you need to talk about in order to work through
the things bringing you to therapy.
 ETHICAL ISSUES
Protection of Participants
 For a humanistic perspective, organizations have an ethical duty to avoid any action that could harm
participants. They also have a duty to be supportive to those harmed by crises. When a crisis brings
harm to individuals and leads to sufferings and loss, victim need to receive short term financial
assistance.

Confidentiality
 Confidentiality is an important aspect of humanistic therapy. Therapists must also provide
confidentiality, the relationship must function as a bounded environment where secrets shared are
kept and client can share their inner experiences. This information might include details of their
lifestyle, family or whatever they want to be kept private.

Respect and Dignity

 According to humanistic perspective, protecting dignity of individual is basic right. Thus every
participant regardless of age, gender and status is to be treated with respect.
 CONT:
Right to Withdraw
 Giving participant the right to withdraw at any time and also they have right to withdraw their
results from study at any time. It is important because it prevents the participants from feeling
embarrassed about their results.

Maintaining Therapy
 Once therapy begins, the therapist is required to continue working with that client as long as the
client is benefiting from treatment and wishes to continue. If the therapist discontinues services, it
could be considered abandonment. This does not mean, however, that the client dictates all aspects of
the therapeutic relationship. The therapist could need to change hours, move, or have a host of
reasons that would make it too difficult to continue therapy with the client. When this is the case, the
therapist needs to give the client notice and provide the client with appropriate referrals so
treatment is not disrupted.
 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES
 Focus on the Individual Behaviour: Instead of
focusing on the unconscious behaviour, genes, and mind among
others, it has shifted its attention to the individual or entire
person.
 Satisfies the Idea of Most People: As humanistic
approach values self-fulfilment and personal ideals, it satisfies
the idea of most people regarding the meaning of being human.
This focuses more on humankind’s positive nature and free will
that is relative to change.
 More Behavioural Insights: It is easier to acquire a
genuine insight and complete information due to the qualitative
data that can be associated to behaviour.
 Individualistic Methods of Study: It highlights the
importance of a more idiographic and individualistic methods
of study. Humanism can also be favourable to different
professions, including criminology, history, and literature
because humanistic thought has a basis that strikes a hint in all
that is considered to be human.
 Person-Centred Counselling: The non-directional
nature of person-centred counselling will allow clients to feel
more comfortable when communicating with counsellors. More
so, clients are considered their equals as they don’t claim to be
 Promotes Frustration Among Client s: Allowing clients
to think for themselves can be confusing for those who are not capable
of doing so. Likewise, their clients may feel frustrated because they
will not be provided with explanations for their problems.
 Opposition to Deterministic Laws of Science :
Humanistic approach supports free will in which proponents have
opposing beliefs in deterministic laws. Accordingly, determinism states
that there is only a single course of events that is possible, which
contradicts that of the existence of free will.
 Ethnocentricity of Humanistic Approac h: This type
of approach can be biased and centred on the Western culture only.
For this matter, it can be said that it will influence those who have
diverse cultures to follow and adopt even if it contradicts to their
beliefs.
 Experience is Required: In a classroom environment, for
instance, the teacher’s capability is a very important role in the
success of the humanistic approach. This is because in a humanist
classroom, the teacher should facilitate students and their open
expressions towards feelings in which traditional teaching doesn’t
emphasize on it.
 Learning Style Issues: Each student has unique learning
styles that the humanist teacher must employ for that particular
student. However, such styles and evaluations can be very unwieldy
 CONCLUSION

Humanistic Psychology

Humanistic Psychology is the third force in the field of psychology which focuses free will and human
potential to reach the level of self-actualization. Abraham Maslow’s and Carl Roger described the concept of
Self-Actualization in their unique way for better understanding. There are two types of therapies: Gestalt and
Client-Centered therapy which uses different techniques to focus on a human as a whole to treat psychological
disorders like: Anxiety, Depression, Personality Disorders, OCD and Addiction etc.
THANKS