Humanistic Psychology Schools

Are you interested in the branch of psychology? Have you not determined which specific branch will ideally suit your interests? Have you started doing research in order to identify which psychological field will help you feel professionally satisfied? Perhaps you should consider the branch of humanistic psychology. This is a psychological perspective that arose during the mid-20th century and that encourages creativity as well as a new understanding of human capital. The humanistic approach to psychology operates under the belief that all people are inherently good. This branch of psychology approaches the human existence by investigating free will, the human potential, and creativity. In addition, this branch of psychology is made up of three different approaches to the world of psychology: humanism, behaviorism, and psychoanalysis.

As a humanistic psychologist it is likely that you will not believe that it is possible to understand human behavior and human consciousness by studying it from a scientific approach. Generally speaking, humanistic psychologists conduct traditional research that is more appropriately suited to the physical sciences. In this branch of psychology there are several different approaches that you could take in relation to therapy and counseling. It is most common for humanistic psychologists to use the works of Abraham Maslow to guide their knowledge and approach to dealing with their patients; Maslow’s works emphasize a hierarchy of motivations and needs.

It is also common for psychologists in this branch to use the works of Rogers, who believed that a patient’s ability to function appropriately is centered on their ability to understand their own self-development. The theories and research of May and Gestalt are other influences that are often used within the therapy and counseling sessions of humanistic psychologists. Recently, Kirk Schneider created a new theory that exists within the humanistic psychologist. This theory is strongly related to the works of existential therapy. Schneider’s works are centered around the thought that humans have the option and the freedom to make sense of their life and how it functions. Within this theory, individuals are able to do what they want in order to define themselves; the ultimate goal is to push patients to completely explore the meaning of their life. Existential therapy also works to resolve the conflicts that exist because of culture, freedoms and limitations, genetics, along with other factors.

As you work as a humanistic psychologist, it will be important that you consistently exercise empathy and self-help. Empathy will help you, as a humanistic psychologist, to see how the world functions through the eyes of your patient. In addition to the importance of empathy, psychologists in this branch also need to exhibit unconditional positive regard. This factor will ensure that the psychologist has a kinder, more open relationship with their patient that makes it possible for there to be an open flow of information between the two individuals.

In this occupation, it is critical that you have the ability to listen to your patient and exhibit comfort for your patient so that he or she will be comfortable sharing their feelings with you. You must be able to focus on the needs of your patient while providing them with a warm, safe, and receptive environment with which to share their feelings and work on any issues they are dealing with. The self-help aspect of humanistic psychology covers the factor of co-counseling. This approach is completely utilized within this branch of psychology. Keep in mind, the world of humanistic psychology focuses on providing a nonpathologizing view of each of your patients, as opposed to a more medically related approach of psychology.