Humanistic therapy definition, types, how works, therapist finding, expectations, effectiveness

Definition

The humanistic therapy is basically a talking therapy. It is also known as humanism. It is an approach of mental health. The therapy focuses or emphasizes on a person's whole life rather than focusing on a particular or single area of the person's life. It mainly keeps eye on the positive sides of the person. It is based on the outlook of the person. And this keeps impact on his choices.

Types

There are some types of humanistic therapy:

• Client-centered therapy
• Existential therapy
• Gestalt therapy
• Logotherapy
•  Narrative therapy

How it works

Humanistic therapy was first emerged in 1950.  They brought this as a new. In this, they kept less focus on these: past experiences, pathology, and environmental influences on behavior. While keeping less focus on these, they kept their strong focus on the positive nature of human. This therapy includes the better understanding your outlook to the world. An example can be given here: when you follow a certain way of working and other people respect you for that, there is a high possibility for you to fall in the trap of the thinking that you aren't enough for the work. This feeling can affect your outlook to yourself and the world. This humanistic therapy can help you to overcome criticism and develop self-acceptance. And for this, it offers you a space which is safe to work for yourself or your personal growth.

Finding therapist

Finding therapist for this therapy is not always easy. When finding a therapist, you need to consider which work you are going to do. The therapist-patient bond is so important for this therapy. You may ensure that the therapist you have consulted with, is free and friendly.

Expectations

In humanistic therapy the therapist tries to keep support and sympathy. Through which the patient can share his feelings without worry or fear. The therapist doesn't behave like an authority or doctor or others. But he/ she tries to  be the closest of you or the patient. 

Effectiveness

This humanistic therapy is helpful or effective in many ways. Researchers have found that. For an example, after receiving humanistic counseling, young people who suffers from psychological distress showed improvement. Also, the client-centered humanistic therapy was found that this can be used for the treatment of relationship problem, trauma, depression, psychosis. 

Limitations

Some patients with high stress or anxiety may get benefit from this humanistic therapy. But it is a matter of consideration that this therapy may not focus on patient diagnosis. Some people with personality disorder may not be benefited from humanistic therapy.