An Introduction to the Counselling Theories Humanistic, Cbt and Psychodynamic

The humanistic movement was established as a way to expand and improve upon the two other schools of thought; behaviourism and psychoanalysis, which had, up until the first half of the 20th century dominated psychology. An American theorist called Abraham Maslow began to research creativity in humans through art and science. He first introduced his concept of a hierarchy of needs in his 1943 paper "A Theory of Human Motivation”. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs is most often displayed as a pyramid. The lowest levels of the pyramid are made up of the most basic needs, while the more complex needs are located at the top of the pyramid. Maslow emphasised the importance of self-actualisation, which is a process of growing as a person to achieve individual potential. The humanistic movement wanted to take a more holistic look at psychology by encouraging personal growth and self awareness. In 1964, Maslow, along with fellow theorists Carl Rogers, the psychologist responsible for person-centred therapy, and Rollo May, an existential psychologist who represented the European currents of existentialism, attended the First Invitational Conference on Humanistic Psychology in Connecticut, USA. It was during this conference that the third force in psychology was named and the humanistic approach was born. This approach expanded its influence throughout the 1970s and the 1980s, and continues to be extremely relevant today. A strong area of this approach is the focus on the goodness of humanity, as well as the free will to change. The most significant criticism is its lack of specific approach to treatment aimed at precise problems.

The humanistic movement has made a profound impact on society. It focuses on recognising human capabilities in areas such as personal growth and choice. The importance of this approach lies in the fact that it has encouraged acceptance of the view that there is more to behaviour than objectively discovered facts. The humanistic approach comprises of