the humanistic approach Flashcards
main assumptions of the humanistic approach
- Freewill - we are essentially self-determining and can make our own choices. People are still affected by internal and external influences, but we are active agents.
- Holism - Studies the ‘whole’ person - uniqueness of each individual
- we have an innate need to self-actualise
- reject science (subjective experience over objectiveness)
context for Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
- An American psychologist
- developed the hierarchy in 1940-1950 as way for employers to get the best out of their employees
- it has 5 stages
the hierarchy
SELF-ACTUALISATION - morality, creativity, problem solving, acceptance of fact, accepting of others (growth need)
(all below are deficiency needs)
SELF ESTEEM NEEDS - respect, status, recognition, strength
LOVE AND BELONGING NEEDS - friendship, intimacy, family, sense of connection
SAFETY NEEDS - resources (personal security, employment, health, property)
PHYSIOLOGICAL NEEDS - air, water, food, drink warmth, sleep, sex (reproduction)
what does the self refer to?
The self (or self-concept) refers to how we perceive ourselves as a person (AKA perceived self). For personal growth and psychological health to be achieved, our concept of our perceived ‘self’ must be equivalent to our ideal self.
incongruence
when the perceived ‘self’ and ideal self are distant from each other
moving toward congruence
when the perceived ‘self’ and ideal self are moving towards each other
what may happen if the gap between perceived self and ideal self is too large?
issues of self worth and poor psychological health
where does the gap between perceived self and ideal self come from?
- rooted in childhood
- lack of unconditional positive regard
- parents may have set boundaries or conditions of worth
unconditional positive regard
refers to accepting and supporting another person exactly as they are, without evaluating or judging them
conditions of worth
The rules society and our care givers make to decide what are the right and wrong behaviours. If we meet the conditions set that are seen as positive, we are praised and shown positive regard and given attention.
what is client centered therapy?
Client-centered therapy, or person centered therapy, is a non-directive approach to talk therapy. It requires the client to actively take the reins during each therapy session, while the therapist acts mainly as a guide or a source of support for the client.
why are patients called clients?
because this puts the therapist and client as equal partners rather than an expert treating a patient
who is responsible for improving the clients life (client centered therapy)?
the client
what does client centered therapy focus on: past, present, future?
present and future
techniques used in client centered therapy
listening, accepting, understanding, and sharing