Part 1: Humanistic Theory

Founding Theorists: Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow

Standard Interventions:

• Person-Centered Therapy: A therapeutic approach that emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness.
• Experiential Therapy: A form of therapy that focuses on the client’s subjective experiences and emotions.
• Motivational Interviewing: A client-centered approach that helps individuals explore their motivations for change and develop a plan to achieve their goals.

Main Concepts:

1. Self-Actualization: The innate drive to fulfill one’s potential.
2. Positive Regard: The need for unconditional positive regard from others.
3. Empathy: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.

Part 2: Comparing Humanistic Theory to Other Theories

Humanistic Theory vs. Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)

• Similarities: Both theories emphasize the importance of the therapeutic relationship and the client’s subjective experience.
• Differences:
  • Focus: Humanistic therapy focuses on the present and future, while CBT focuses on the past and present.
  • Causation: Humanistic therapy views problems as stemming from incongruence between the real self and the ideal self, while CBT attributes problems to maladaptive thoughts and behaviors.
  • Intervention: Humanistic therapy emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness, while CBT focuses on cognitive restructuring, behavioral activation, and exposure therapy.

Humanistic Theory vs. Solution-Focused Therapy

• Similarities: Both theories emphasize the client’s strengths and resources.
• Differences:
  • Focus: Humanistic therapy focuses on the underlying causes of problems, while solution-focused therapy focuses on solutions and future goals.
  • Intervention: Humanistic therapy emphasizes self-awareness and personal growth, while solution-focused therapy focuses on specific, achievable goals and positive reinforcement.

Humanistic Theory vs. Psychoanalysis

• Similarities: Both theories emphasize the importance of understanding the unconscious mind.
• Differences:
  • Focus: Humanistic therapy focuses on the present and future, while psychoanalysis focuses on the past.
  • Causation: Humanistic therapy views problems as stemming from incongruence between the real self and the ideal self, while psychoanalysis attributes problems to unconscious conflicts and repressed desires.
  • Intervention: Humanistic therapy emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness, while psychoanalysis focuses on dream analysis, free association, and transference.

Conclusion

Humanistic theory offers a unique perspective on human behavior and psychological well-being. By emphasizing the importance of self-actualization, positive regard, and empathy, humanistic therapy provides a supportive and non-judgmental approach to helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. While it may not be as widely used as CBT or psychoanalysis, humanistic therapy continues to make a significant contribution to the field of psychology.