A residential rehabilitation program has to provide a variety of mental health therapy modalities to meet the varying needs of its different residents. Because we know that each person who comes to us for treatment is unique, even if they share a common mental health diagnosis, Rose Hill Center utilizes a full spectrum of counseling theories, including humanistic therapy.
Humanistic therapy describes a range of treatments that focus on people as individuals with unique potential and abilities. Humanistic therapies concentrate on helping people overcome their difficulties through personal growth. To learn more about how humanistic therapy can help you, contact Rose Hill Center at 866.367.0220.
What Is the Humanistic Therapy Definition?
Humanistic therapy is an approach that emphasizes being your authentic self to lead the most fulfilling life. Humanistic therapy developed from humanistic psychology, which holds that people are innately good. Each individual has unique ways of looking at the world, impacting their actions and choices.
Humanistic therapy utilizes a holistic approach that looks at each person as a whole rather than focusing on a particular area or characteristic. It stresses free will, human potential, and self-discovery in the healing process. Humanistic therapists use empathy and unconditional positive regard to help you develop a strong, healthy sense of self, explore your feelings, and focus on your strengths.
Types of Humanistic Therapy
Humanistic therapy utilizes various counseling approaches, including Gestalt therapy, existential therapy, client-centered therapy, logotherapy, and narrative therapy. Following is a closer look at each:
- Gestalt therapy – This approach focuses on a person’s current life and experiences rather than the past. This treatment relies on an underlying belief that unresolved conflict with others leads to distress. Gestalt therapy uses role-play, exaggerated behavior, and reenacting scenarios to resolve current issues.
- Existential therapy – This approach aims to help you understand how your existence influences your worldview. This philosophical approach helps people learn to take responsibility for their actions and recognize that they have the power to bring more meaning and purpose to their lives.
- Client-centered therapy – Also called person-centered, this is considered the primary type of humanistic therapy. The therapist accepts you unconditionally, even if they disagree with an aspect of your behavior. You guide the direction of sessions while the therapist listens with empathy and without judgment.
Humanistic Therapy Techniques
Humanistic therapists utilize various techniques designed to support you as you work toward making healthy changes. Among the most common techniques used are the following:
- Empathetic understanding involves the therapist understanding what you are feeling and saying and communicating that understanding to you so that you feel seen, heard, and understood.
- Congruence involves the therapist being genuine, authentic, and open as they interact with you.
- Reflective listening involves the therapist actively listening and then summarizing what they heard you say. This technique helps reinforce what you’ve said, reflect upon your thoughts, and clear up any potential misunderstandings.
- Unconditional positive regard involves the therapist accepting you without judgment and is characterized by a caring attitude that fosters self-worth, self-awareness, and personal growth.
These techniques aim to help encourage people to see themselves as capable of directing their behavior and maximizing their growth potential.
Call Rose Hill Center to Learn More
Rose Hill Center is a leader in providing comprehensive, evidence-based, holistic mental health treatment. We believe that your diagnosis does not define who you are. We offer treatments such as humanistic therapy and other counseling theories to assist you in discovering your best self.
At Rose Hill Center, you will find a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment where you can heal and grow. Call us at 866.367.0220 to discover how we can help you or your loved one.
