Exploring Therapy: Humanistic

Humanistic Therapy is a counselling approach that I think most people can get behind. This type of therapy draws from humanistic psychology – You know, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs stuff!  Humanistic Therapy is founded on the core belief that every single person needs the right supports in place in order to reach their full potential. When our basic needs, safety needs, love needs, and esteem needs are met, we’re able to “self-actualize,” and be fulfilled.

Some core concepts of Humanistic Therapy include:

·         The belief that people are inherently good and wish to become their best self

·         That people have unique life experiences, and therapy should be tailored to each individual

·         That not only should therapy work on psychological issues, but work on holistic (e.g. physical, spiritual, emotional) goals too

·         People are best benefited with unconditional and nonjudgmental support

While this type of therapy is helpful for treating various mental health concerns, it is also an adaptive enough approach to be use for folks who might not be seeking mental health treatment, but are looking for life coaching and support for their specific goals too.  Chances are, your mental health counsellor will draw from elements of humanistic therapy to inform their work with you, too.