The Humanist Approach posits that given the appropriate conditions, individuals will grow in positive ways (Corey, 2009). According to Carl Rogers, when the appropriate conditions are created, it both paves the way and empowers the client to reach her or his full potential, or 'self-actualize' (Corey, 2009).
"It is amazing the way weeds will grow through the sidewalk, or saplings crack boulders, or animals survive desert conditions" (Boeree, 2006, p.2). Therapy can be a place where the proper, nurturing elements are present to allow the client to thrive.
My counselling philosophy is grounded in Humanism, and incorporates elements of Carl Roger's client-centered therapy. I believe in the self-actualization tendency, which proposes that humans have a built-in motivation to strive to reach their fullest potential.
Self actualization is found at the top of Abraham Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs.
Self actualization is found at the top of Abraham Maslow's Heirarchy of Needs.
Maslow theorized that all humans are inherently good, and they would strive towards this inherent goodness. Self actualization represents this goodness in that it involves morality, creativity, problem solving and lack of prejudice (Corey, 2009).
However, in order to get to the self-actualization stage, one must meet the needs of the stages below, such as physiological needs (food, air and water), safety (shelter, employment, security), love (friendship and family), esteem (confidence and achievement).
Only once these stages were met was the individual able to become self-actualized. Below is a video of explaining Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:
However, in order to get to the self-actualization stage, one must meet the needs of the stages below, such as physiological needs (food, air and water), safety (shelter, employment, security), love (friendship and family), esteem (confidence and achievement).
Only once these stages were met was the individual able to become self-actualized. Below is a video of explaining Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs:
References:
Boeree, G.C. (2006). Carl Rogers. Retrieved online from: http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/rogers.html
Corey, G. (2009). Theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy (8th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.
Lee-Oakes, R. (2011). Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. [Video File]. Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF2c1q_OvdE