Mental health is a crucial aspect of our overall well-being, and seeking therapy is an essential step toward self-discovery and personal growth.
One of the most effective and popular forms of therapy is humanistic therapy.
The Online Mental Health Reviews team consists of experienced mental health professionals who have both personal and professional experience going through and teaching therapy.
Our expertise in online mental health support ensures that our readers are empowered with valuable information to make well-informed decisions for their self-growth journey.
In this blog post, we will explore the history and development of humanistic therapy, what sets it apart from other types of therapy, and how you can find the right humanistic therapist near you.
Benefits of Humanistic Therapy
In chapter 6 of the official SAMHSA handbook, Humanistic Therapy is listed as one of the primary treatment methods for substance abuse1.
- Enhanced self-awareness: Humanistic therapy helps individuals develop a better understanding of their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, leading to improved self-awareness.
- Greater self-acceptance: Through the process of humanistic therapy, clients learn to accept themselves more fully, resulting in increased self-esteem and overall well-being.
- Improved relationships: Humanistic therapy supports the development of healthy communication skills and empathy, fostering deeper connections and more satisfying relationships.
- Reduced anxiety and depression: Research has shown that humanistic therapy can effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, contributing to overall mental health improvement
These empirical benefits of humanistic therapy demonstrate its effectiveness in promoting personal growth and enhanced mental health.
By exploring these proven advantages, our readers can make informed decisions about their mental health treatment options and find the right online resources to assist them in overcoming life’s challenges.
What are the disadvantages of humanistic therapy?
Humanistic therapy is a form of talk therapy that focuses on the individual nature of a person and their potential for self-fulfillment. While this approach has many advantages, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider.
- One criticism of humanistic therapy is that it can be biased towards certain worldviews or philosophies, such as existentialism or humanism.
- Additionally, some in the scientific community have raised questions about its effectiveness compared to other forms of therapy.
- Humanistic therapy also has limitations in terms of its scope; it may not be suitable for those with severe mental health issues or complex trauma.
- Finally, it can be difficult to measure some of the outcomes of humanistic therapy since it is focused on subjective experiences rather than objective results. But, please note many benefits are still proven (see above!).
Overall, while humanistic therapy offers many benefits, it is important to understand the potential drawbacks before deciding if this approach is right for you. It is always recommended to speak with a licensed mental health professional before beginning any form of treatment.
Who is humanistic therapy best for?
Humanistic therapy is best for individuals who are looking to explore their true selves and gain a better understanding of their unique potential.
This approach is particularly beneficial for those who are seeking to develop a more meaningful connection with themselves and the world around them.
Humanistic therapy can be used to treat a wide range of mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and relationship difficulties.
It can also be used to help individuals struggling with identity issues or feeling disconnected from their sense of purpose in life.
Examples of successful cases of humanistic psychotherapy include helping young adults struggling with identity issues or adults dealing with grief after the loss of a loved one. VeryWellMind.com has listed more humanistic therapy examples.
Overall, humanistic therapy can be beneficial for individuals of all ages who are looking to make meaningful changes in their lives.
How to Find a Humanistic Therapist Near You
Finding the right therapist for your mental health needs can be a daunting task. It’s important to take the time to research and find a humanistic therapist who is the best fit for you.
Humanistic therapy focuses on self-development, self-awareness, and personal growth, so it’s essential to find someone who understands your individual needs and goals.
When looking for a humanistic therapist, there are several factors to consider:
- Qualifications: Make sure the therapist has the proper qualifications and experience in humanistic therapy. Check their credentials and ask them about their training and experience in this type of therapy.
- Specialization: If you have a specific issue or condition that you need help with, make sure the therapist has experience dealing with it. Ask them about any specialized training they may have received related to your particular issue or condition.
- Location: Consider how far away from home you’re willing to travel for appointments. You may also want to check if they offer teletherapy sessions if distance is an issue.
- Insurance Coverage: Check with your insurance provider to see if they cover therapy sessions with a humanistic therapist in your area. If not, ask about out-of-network coverage or other options that may be available to you.
- Cost: Ask about fees upfront so you can determine whether it fits within your budget before committing to an appointment or series of appointments with the therapist.
- Reviews: Read reviews online from past clients of the therapist to get an idea of what others think of their services and approach to treatment. This can help you decide if this is the right person for you before scheduling an appointment or signing up for sessions with them.
List of Humanistic Therapy Resources
- Book: “On Becoming a Person” by Carl Rogers – This classic book by one of the founders of humanistic therapy provides insights into the development of the person-centered approach and its application in therapy. Link to access
- Article: “The Effectiveness of Humanistic Therapies: A Meta-Analysis” – This research article presents a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of humanistic therapies for various mental health conditions. Link to access
- Book: “Existential-Humanistic Therapy” by Kirk J. Schneider and Orah T. Krug – This book offers an in-depth exploration of existential-humanistic therapy, including its theoretical foundations, practical applications, and case examples. Link to access
- Website: The Association for Humanistic Psychology – This professional organization’s website offers resources on humanistic psychology, including articles, events, and networking opportunities for therapists and clients. Link to access
- Book: “Gestalt Therapy: Excitement and Growth in the Human Personality” by Frederick S. Perls, Ralph Hefferline, and Paul Goodman – This seminal work on Gestalt therapy covers the theory and practice of this humanistic therapy approach, providing valuable insights for therapists and clients alike. Link to access
Zocdoc to Find In-Network Humanistic Therapist Near You
Zocdoc is a valuable resource for finding a humanistic therapist nearby, offering several key benefits to help you make the best decision for your mental health needs.
- One major advantage of using Zocdoc is its ability to connect you with therapists who are in-network with your insurance plan, ensuring that you receive cost-effective care.
- Additionally, Zocdoc features a comprehensive review system, allowing you to read experiences and feedback from other clients who have worked with the therapists in your area. This information can be invaluable in guiding you toward a therapist who aligns with your values and therapeutic goals.
By using Zocdoc to search for a humanistic therapist, you can quickly and conveniently compare multiple options, taking into account factors such as location, availability, and specialties.
In our Zocdoc review, we bought and tested Zocdoc. The best feature, we thought, this user-friendly platform empowers you to make informed decisions about your mental health care, streamlining the process of finding a therapist who can effectively address your unique concerns.
With Zocdoc, our readers can overcome the challenges they face and find the right internet product, tool, course, or therapist to support their journey toward better mental health.
The History and Development of Humanistic Therapy
Humanistic therapy emerged in the mid-20th century as a response to the limitations of the two dominant therapeutic approaches of the time: psychoanalysis and behaviorism.
While both of these approaches had their merits, they were criticized for being overly deterministic, focusing on the individual’s past or observable behavior, and neglecting the person’s subjective experience and capacity for growth.
The humanistic approach was pioneered by psychologists like Carl Rogers, Abraham Maslow, and Rollo May, who sought to create a more holistic and person-centered form of therapy. They believed that people have an innate drive towards self-actualization or the realization of one’s full potential and that therapy should focus on helping individuals unlock this potential.
Over the years, humanistic therapy has evolved and branched out into various subdisciplines, such as Gestalt therapy, existential therapy, and transpersonal therapy. Despite their differences, all these approaches share a common emphasis on the individual’s subjective experience, personal growth, and the therapeutic relationship.
What is the humanistic approach to therapy?
- Humanistic therapy is a form of talk therapy that focuses on an individual’s unique human nature and experience. It is different from other forms of therapy in that it emphasizes the importance of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and self-exploration.
- The goal of humanistic therapy is to help individuals achieve personal growth and reach their full potential. This approach encourages clients to explore their feelings, thoughts, values, and beliefs to gain insight into themselves. Humanistic therapists strive to create a safe environment where clients can be open and honest about their experiences without fear of judgment or criticism.
- Humanistic therapy can be beneficial for many different types of people. Those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem may find this type of therapy helpful in exploring the underlying causes of these issues. Additionally, those who are looking for greater self-awareness or seeking to make changes in their lives may also benefit from humanistic therapy.
Overall, by creating an accepting environment where clients can explore their feelings without judgment or criticism, this approach allows them to gain a greater understanding and acceptance of themselves as well as develop healthier coping strategies for dealing with life’s challenges.
For additional reading on Humanistic Therapy, see these two resources:
- https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/humanistic-therapy
- https://www.healthline.com/health/humanistic-therapy
How Does Humanistic Therapy Work?
- Humanistic therapy is a form of talk therapy that helps clients realize their full potential, based on the idea that everyone has an innate capacity for growth.
- It focuses on the present moment, using techniques like genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and empathetic understanding to empower clients.
- Examples of how it can help include identifying core values, improving communication, and making meaningful connections.
- In short, humanistic therapy enables greater purpose and meaning.
Humanistic Therapy: Examples
One example of how humanistic therapy has been used in real life is in the treatment of depression.
- In this case, a therapist might use techniques such as active listening to help the client identify underlying issues that may be contributing to their depression.
- They might also encourage the client to explore their thoughts and feelings more deeply so they can gain insight into what is causing their distress.
- The goal would be to help the client develop healthier coping strategies for managing their emotions and improving their overall well-being.
What Sets Humanistic Therapy Apart from Other Forms of Therapy?
Several key aspects distinguish humanistic therapy from other types of therapy:
1. Focus on the Whole Person
Humanistic therapy takes a holistic approach, considering the individual’s thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences in the context of their unique life circumstances. This means that the therapist will work with you to explore your emotions, beliefs, and values, as well as your relationships, cultural background, and social environment.
2. Emphasis on Personal Growth
While other forms of therapy may focus on symptom reduction or behavior modification, humanistic therapy is primarily concerned with helping individuals achieve personal growth and self-actualization. This means that the therapist will support you in identifying your strengths, developing self-awareness, and cultivating a more authentic and fulfilling life.
3. The Therapeutic Relationship
In humanistic therapy, the relationship between the therapist and the client is of utmost importance. The client-centered therapist also creates a safe and supportive environment in which the client can freely express their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment. The therapist also strives to be empathetic, genuine, and accepting, fostering a sense of trust and collaboration.
4. Client Autonomy
Humanistic therapists believe that individuals have the innate capacity for growth and change, and they view the client as the expert on their own life. As such, the therapist’s role
What Techniques does a humanistic therapist do?
Humanistic therapists work with clients collaboratively, aiding in identifying goals and exploring underlying issues preventing personal growth. Through this process, clients become self-aware to better cope with challenging situations in life.
There are several types of humanistic therapy offered by therapists such as person-centered, Gestalt, and existential therapy.
- Person-centered therapy creates a safe environment without criticism or judgment;
- Gestalt therapy training helps clients bring awareness to their thoughts and feelings;
- Existential therapy assists individuals in exploring life’s meaning through their values and beliefs.
Effective humanistic therapy techniques include active listening, reflective questioning, empathy building, visualization, role-play, journaling, and mindfulness. These techniques help clients enhance their mental and emotional health and foster healthier relationships with others.
Techniques Used During All Types of Humanistic Sessions
Commonly used approaches within humanistic therapy include person-centered therapy, gestalt therapy, existential therapy, and positive psychology.
- Person-centered therapy is based on the idea that clients have an innate capacity for growth and healing. The therapist’s role is to provide an environment of unconditional positive regard in which the client can explore their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment or criticism.
- Gestalt therapy focuses on helping clients become aware of their thoughts and feelings to gain insight into their behavior patterns.
- Existential therapy helps clients explore their sense of purpose in life by examining their beliefs about death, freedom, isolation, personal meaninglessness, and responsibility.
- Positive psychology focuses on helping clients identify strengths they can use to create meaningful lives.
What is the most common technique in humanistic therapy?
To put things very simply, ‘listening’ is the most common technique in humanistic therapy.
How is Humanist Therapy Different than Gestalt therapy, Client-centered-therapy, and Existential Therapy
Humanist Therapy differs from other types of therapy such as Gestalt, Client-Centered, and Existential therapies. –
- Gestalt examines how thoughts, feelings, and actions interact to shape our life experiences. Humanist Therapy, on the other hand, helps people discover their inner strengths to create positive changes. It encourages individuals to take responsibility for their choices.
- Client-Centered Therapy values each person’s worth and aims to create a safe environment for clients. Humanist Therapy, however, encourages people to explore their feelings and beliefs to learn more about themselves.
- Existential Therapy examines life experiences to gain better self-understanding and purpose. In contrast, Humanist Therapy emphasizes growth through self-discovery.
What disorders are best treated by humanistic therapy?
Humanistic therapy can be used to treat a variety of mental health disorders, including:
- Depression: Humanistic therapists work with clients to identify underlying issues that may be contributing to their depression. They also help them develop coping skills and strategies for managing difficult emotions.
- Anxiety: Humanistic therapists use cognitive behavioral techniques to help clients recognize and challenge irrational thoughts or beliefs that are causing anxiety. They also provide support and guidance as the client works through their fears and worries.
- Panic Disorders: Humanistic therapists focus on helping clients understand the root cause of their panic attacks so they can better manage them in the future. They also teach relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or mindfulness meditation to reduce stress levels during an attack.
- Personality Disorders: Humanistic therapists use empathy and understanding to create an environment where clients feel safe enough to explore their feelings and behaviors without fear of judgment or criticism. They also work with clients to identify patterns of behavior that may be contributing to their disorder so they can make changes if necessary.
- Schizophrenia: Humanistic therapists focus on helping clients understand how their symptoms affect them to better manage them in the future. They also provide support and guidance as the client works through any challenges they may face due to their condition.
- Addiction: Humanistic therapists use motivational interviewing techniques to help clients identify triggers for substance abuse so they can avoid them in the future. They also provide support and guidance as the client works through any withdrawal symptoms or cravings they may experience during recovery.
Mental Health Challenges Addressed In Humanistic Therapy
Humanistic Therapy can be used to address a variety of mental health problems and challenges, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other issues.
Your First Appointment
Once you’ve found a few potential therapists, schedule an initial consultation session so you can get a better feel for their style of treatment and whether it’s right for you before committing long-term.
During this session, ask questions about their approach and philosophy towards treatment as well as any other questions that come up during the conversation that will help you make an informed decision about whether they’re the right fit for your needs and goals when it comes to mental health care.
Best Courses for DIY
Want to learn Gestalt for fun? One of the courses we’ve tried, and appreciated:
This well-reviewed Udemy course will teach you how Gestalt counseling can help people change, which will make you a better therapist or counselor.
- This thorough course will give you the tools and skills you need to be successful, whether you want to start your own business, work from home, or just learn more about psychology and therapy.
- Learn how to use the Gestalt method in treatment, how to use it to help yourself grow, and how to do the famous “Empty Chair Technique.”
- Learn important things about how to use the Gestalt method in both individual and group therapy.
More than 1,388 students have given this course 4.6 out of 5 stars. It has 4 hours of video you can watch whenever you want, a helpful article, and is easy to use on your phone or TV. You’ll get a badge at the end that shows how much you’ve learned about Gestalt Therapy.
Humanistic Therapy Near Me Conclusion:
In summary, humanistic therapy is a unique and empowering approach to mental health that focuses on personal growth, the therapeutic relationship, and client autonomy. Its emphasis on the whole person and the individual’s subjective experience sets it apart from other forms of therapy.
To find the right humanistic therapist near you, consider the following steps:
- Research: Start by learning more about different humanistic therapy approaches, such as person-centered, Gestalt, or existential therapy, to determine which one resonates most with you.
- Ask for Recommendations: Reach out to friends, family, or healthcare professionals for recommendations of experienced and reputable humanistic therapists in your area.
- Check Online Directories: Utilize online directories, such as Psychology Today or GoodTherapy, to search for humanistic therapists near you. These platforms often provide detailed profiles of therapists, including their areas of expertise, fees, and contact information.
- Interview Potential Therapists: Contact a few therapists to discuss your needs, ask about their experience and approach, and gauge whether you feel comfortable and connected with them. Remember that the therapeutic relationship is crucial in humanistic therapy, so finding the right fit is essential.
- Consider Online Therapy: If you’re unable to find a suitable humanistic therapist nearby, explore the option of online therapy. Many platforms offer access to licensed therapists who specialize in humanistic approaches, allowing you to receive support from the comfort of your own home.
By taking the time to research and find the right humanistic therapist, you will be well on your way to unlocking your full potential, embracing self-discovery, and leading a more authentic and fulfilling life. Remember, seeking therapy is a courageous step, and embarking on this journey with a humanistic therapist can be an immensely rewarding experience.
Feel free to leave a comment with any questions you may have about humanistic therapy near you, or share your suggestions on which mental health service, app, or course you’d like the Online Mental Health Reviews team to explore next. We’re always eager to hear from our readers and continue empowering you on your mental wellness journey.
Sources
Additional Resources
While Zocdoc is excellent for finding local healthcare professionals who take your insurance, you may want to find other types of therapy. In that case, use the list below:
- Find Art Therapy: Unravel Myths, Discover Local Options
- Find Play Therapy: Locate Services, Bust Myths
- Find Hypnotherapy: Local Resources, Dispel Myths
- Find Music Therapy: Explore Locally, Break Myths
- Find Right Online Hypnotherapist: Weigh Benefits, Challenges
- Find Mental Health Centers: Your Local Guide
- Find Parent Therapy: Strengthen Family, Overcome Challenges
- Find Texas Physical Therapist: Understand Benefits
- Find Therapy for Emotional Abuse
- Find Humanistic Therapy: Right Therapist Guide
- Find Men’s Therapy: Comprehensive Local Services
- Find Binge Eating Therapy: Local Guide
- Find Skin Picking Help: Local Therapist Finder
- Better Speech Therapy Review
- Find Reading Guidance: Book Therapy Review
Our team invites you to share your thoughts in the comments section below. Let us know which mental health software products, apps, or courses that Online Mental Health Reviews should explore and review next.
If You’re In An Emergency
In times of crisis, waiting for an online therapy session may not be the safest option. If you require immediate assistance, please dial 911, especially if there are imminent plans to harm yourself or others. For those experiencing suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available at any time by calling 988. Additionally, the National Helpline of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can be reached at 800-662-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support in finding treatment and obtaining information about mental health and substance abuse disorders, 24/7, 365 days a year.