Humanistic Psychology

Humanistic psychology evolved in the 1960s in reaction to psychodynamic psychology and behaviorism.  Humanists though that the psychodynamic view of understanding human behavior was pessimistic because it sees the selfish pursuit of pleasure as the root of all human behavior.  They also thought that the behaviorist's view that human behavior comes from environmental influences alone was simplistic and inaccurate. Humanists objected to both the psychodynamic and behaviorists view that behavior is determined by factors beyond personal control.  In contrast, humanists believe in  people's inner potential and the ability to determine their own destinies. The ultimate goal for humanistic psychologists is to help people realize their full potential and live up to their abilities.

The "person-centered" approach to therapy was first started by Carl Rogers.  This is also called Rogerian therapy.  Person centered therapy is based on the belief that all people carry their answers within them and that all are capable of having fulfilled lives.  What is needed is guidance to help them trust their own experiences and to believe in their own potential.  These therapists believe that abnormal behavior comes from a person's failure to trust their inner experience, resulting in a distorted or inaccurate view of themselves.  The aim of therapy is for self-understanding and self-acceptance.  Therapy happens by conveying unconditional acceptance, empathy, and warmth showing that no matter what the client says or does, the client is still a worthwhile person.

Another influential theory of humanistic psychology was developed by Abraham Maslow.  Maslow believed that people are innately good and so naturally driven to develop their potential or to achieve "self-actualization."  He believed that people are driven by a hierarchy of needs that must be fulfilled in a particular sequence in order for self-actualization to occur.  First, physiological and safety needs must be met. Then people need to feel a sense of belonging.  Once this is achieved, people work on their self-esteem needs and then finally self-actualization.  Maslow believed that psychological problems result from a difficulty in fulfilling the self-esteem needs, which then block self-actualization. Therapy‘s focus is to correct inaccurate self views, improve self-esteem, and but people on the true path toward self-actualization.