Humanistic Approach

Question 1

Free Will

Answer 1

claims that human beings are essentially self-determining and have free will. Humanistic theories emphasise that people have full conscious control over their own destiny.

recognises that we are not free to do anything at all, as we are subject to many other forces such as biological and societal influences. However, humanistic psychologists believe that human beings are able to make significant personal choices within the constraints imposed by these other forces.

Question 2

Self actualisation

Answer 2

-innate desire and tendency to grow psychologically and fulfil one’s ___________– becoming what you are capable of, satisfied and goal-orientated

Question 3

Maslows heirarchy of needs

Answer 3

-psychological
-safety
-love/belonging
-esteem
-self actualisation

Question 4

The self

Answer 4

how we perceive ourselves as a person

Question 5

Congruence

Answer 5

-when there is similarity between a persons ideal self and self-concept
- the closer our self-image and ideal-self are to each other, the greater our feelings of self-worth and the better our psychological health.

Question 6

Incongruence

Answer 6

difference between a persons ideal self and self-concept

Question 7

Conditions of Worth

Answer 7

these are the conditions that we perceive significant others (parents, spouse, etc.) put upon us, which we believe have to be in place if we are to be accepted by others and see ourselves positively or gain positive regard.

Question 8

Conditional Positive regard

Answer 8

when they are accepted only if they do what others want them to do.

Question 9

Unconditional Positive regard

Answer 9

this is when the love and acceptance given by others is unconditional, and they are accepted for who they are and what they do.

Question 10

Influence on counselling psychology

Answer 10

Therapists provide empathy and unconditional positive regard, expressing their acceptance and understanding, regardless of the feelings and attitudes the client expresses. By doing this, a therapist is able to offer an appropriately supportive environment to help dissolve the client’s conditions of worth.

This results in the client moving towards being more authentic and more true to self, i.e. able to behave in a way that is true to the person they are, rather than the person other people want them to be.