Humanistic is a general term which is used to cover a number of specific types of therapy – person-centred, gestalt, transactional analysis , psychosynthesis, human givens and existential – though it can also be used alone. Humanism developed in the 1950s in response to perceived limitations of previous movements in psychology, notably psychoanalysis and behaviourism. 

Humanistic therapy is based on the idea that the individual is the expert in their own life and is inherently capable of reaching his/her own human potential by developing awareness and focusing on their relationship to themselves, to others and to society as a whole.

In humanistic therapy, the therapist actively works with the client to explore their capacities for self-regulation, responsibility and choice. Humanistic therapies are client-led and believe in the human capacity for growth under the right circumstances.

The relationship between client and therapist is key in creating conditions for growth and serves as a model for the client's relationships in the world. In humanistic therapy the focus is on a person's positive attributes and behaviours and their own ability to find fulfilment from within.

Creative techniques may be used, such as role-playing, to help the client to confront memories or difficult relationships. Humanistic therapy takes into account the impact of the external world, accounting for social, cultural and political influences upon the individual’s life.

Positivity, empathy and self-help are features that both the humanistic therapist and client engage with together. 

This is not a full list – the range of humanistic therapies can support clients with a wide range of difficulties.

Psychoanalytic and psychodynamic

This school of thought emphasises the influence of the unconscious on our behaviour.

It also places a strong emphasis on the impact of childhood experiences.

Behaviourism

The behavioural school of thought came about in the 1950s and places a strong emphasis on the importance of observable behaviours, maintaining that our behaviours are a response to external stimuli.

Last updated October 2024