Humanistic therapies

client-centered therapy

Places client at the centre of the process. Therapist creates a supportive environment for clients own self discovery & growth

Client led

Client determines direction of conversation. Therapist doesn't analyse/interpret feelings or actions

Therapist as a facilitator

May repeat/restate what client says to help them clarify their own thoughts. Provides them with cards containing statements - client sorts them into piles to represent self & ideal self. Can be repeated to measure progress

Focus on the present

Emphasises clients current feelings & self perception instead of focusing on past experiences as the primary cause of their problems

Building the relationship

Therapeutic relationship is main tool for healing, built on mutual trust & respect

Unconditional positive regard

Therapist completely accepts client - no judgement/conditions. Helps client feel safe to be themselves & reduces self blame

Congruence

Therapist = genuine & authentic, acting in accordance with their own feelings rather than putting up a professional faccade

Empathy

Therapist strives to deeply & accurately understand client's experience & feelings from client's perspective

Encounter groups

Emphasise core conditions eg empathy, unconditional positive regard & congruence to create a safe space for people to understand themselves & others more fully than in typical social situations

Strengths (1)

Non-directive - therapist doesn't tell clients what to do. They're given the chance to work out what they need to do to address their own needs, giving them a sense of control

(2)

Clients can develop the motivation & power to help themselves, adding to their sense of achievement

(3)

Encounter groups allow clients to openly express problems in a groups & gain feedback from others who may have similar problems so they feel accepted

(4)

Being in an encounter group can help clients see they're not the only ones with problems & so don't feel alone/isolated

Weaknesses/limitations (1)

Facilitator doesn't offer overall judgement on client's problems. Some may be left feeling the therapy was a waste of time

(2)

Some clients may want an authority figure to tell them what to do rather than a facilitator who expects them to work out their own path in life

(3)

Some clients have difficulty discussing problems in encounter groups & forming a trusting relationship with the therapist in client-centred therapy