Humanistic Treatments Flashcards
List the assumptions of humanistic therapy
- view of the person
- freedom to choose
- focus on subjective reality
- therapist qualities
- emotions
- freedom-choice-responsibility
- meaning
Humanistic therapy is most effective when…
- work in a collaborative manner
- view the process as self change
- asses their client’s perspective
- tailor therapy to client’s goals and solutions
List three approaches to humanistic therapy
- client centred
- existential
- gestalt
List three core therapist qualities of the person centred approach
- congruence
- unconditional positive regard
- empathy
Congruence
Clinician’s ability to be genuine and authentic, well integrated, aware of self and how they are perceived
Unconditional positive regard
Caring about, respecting, liking and accepting people for who they are without placing requirements on them to act feel or think in certain ways
Empathy
Understanding the subjective experience of the client
What is the focus of existential therapy?
- focuses on the universal challenges of existence
- when individuals avoid dealing with these issues, psych dysfunction occurs
What is the purpose of existential therapy?
To deal with the universal challenges:
- death
- isolation
- meaninglessness
- freedom
What are the goals of existential therapy?
- take stock of values and beliefs
- becoming truthful with oneself
- widen perspectives
- find clarity on life purpose
Describe the existential therapist’s manner
- uses relationship with client to promote change
- more likely to interpret and challenge clients
- use listening skills and participate actively
Describe the client centred approach
Suggests that individuals have potential for self actualisation, if the therapist provides the right environment.
What are the overall contributions of humanistic therapy?
- emphasises individual choice and responsibility
- offers a flexible framework
- therapeutic relationship variables have evidence
- it continues to influence contemporary therapeutic approaches
What are the overall criticisms of humanistic therapy?
- too subjective
- observations are unverifiable
- not a true science
What are the key points about Gestalt therapy?
- awareness of present behavioural and emotional experience
- more authentic interactions
- emotional rather than intellectual
What are three Gestalt techniques?
- the chair
- use of language
- exaggeration
Describe the Gestalt therapist
- authentic and non judgemental
- dialogic relationship
- willingness and capacity to be present
- genuine interest in understanding client’s subjective experience
Process
What is actually happening in the therapy session between the therapist and the client
Content
What is being talked about, what is the client saying
What is meant by exaggeration in Gestalt therapy
Therapist asks the client to exaggerate something e.g. body language in order to bring to light the links between behaviour and the way we feel
What is meant by dialogic relationship in Gestalt therapy
Embracing the ‘back and forth’; balance between who is talking; therapist and client on same level playing field
What are conditions of worth
Judgemental and critical messages that you are only loveable and worthwhile if you think, feel and act in ways that meet the needs of others
What are the three important traits of a fully functioning person
- openness to experience
- living with meaning and purpose
- trust in self and others
