Humanistic Observation

The psychological theoretical orientation chosen is the humanistic approach. There are six humanistic assumptions about people. First, is the democratic ideal, which is the belief in worth and dignity in all humans. Next, is that the emotional, internal world is dominant, and people should listen to what their internal world is trying to tell them. Another assumption, is that all living things are inclined towards growth and actualization (E. Sarno, personal communication, February 16, 2017). Also, it is assumed that people are intrinsically good and trustworthy. As well as, an emphasis on the here and now and the value in being authentic and genuine. Furthermore, is the need of scientific methods to capture the human experience. (E. Sarno,
She is usually very dependable to and caring of her siblings. She is rather responsible as she is the primary breadwinner of her family since the age of 16. However, she tends to have a hard time depending on and trusting others. On her nights off she likes to have fun, drink and dance with her best friend. She has recently done things that may be seen as irresponsible and reports feeling a lack of control. On top of that, due to one of these irresponsible acts, her youngest brother got cocaine intoxication and she got sentenced to jail. She knows that what happened was a mistake and does not feel 100% responsible for what happened. However, her other siblings are giving her the cold shoulder and are blaming her for what happened. Also, as a felon she is now having a hard time finding a job. The burden of being a guardian to all these kids is catching up to her and perhaps triggered her drinking and drug binge that violated her probation. She says that she does not have a drug problem and just needs a chance to prove herself. Another aspect of her life in which Fiona makes bad decisions is her love life. She cannot resist a “bad boy” and finds guys who are stable and good for her a bit boring. She self sabotages and can be a bit impulsive. Fiona recently cheated on a guy she really liked. She reports feeling that she iss not good enough for him, because he is so
It seems that she does not always have a chance to talk about what is going on with her emotionally and in life. Therapy would be a good chance for her to become aware of her distorted thoughts as well as reduce conditions of worth, and increase her self regard, by receiving unconditional positive regard. In general although group therapy could be beneficial, individual therapy would probably be the best for Fiona. This might force her be more present in the here and now since there is no one else talking except for her and the therapist. Individual therapy would also keep the focus on her instead of her comparing her situation to other people’s experiences. The client therapist relationship must meet certain necessary and sufficient conditions that individual therapy allows for. For starters, the client and therapist are in physiological contact, and Fiona is in a state of incongruence. Also, the therapist will need to be genuine in their relationship with the client, as well as feel unconditional positive regard, and empathy for her. However, the most important condition is the need for the client to experience the therapist’s congruence, unconditional positive regard, and empathy (E. Sarno, personal communication, February 16, 2017). In order for Fiona to change and become a healthier person her conditions of worth have to be reduced. This can be done by increasing her positive self regard, which is achieved by receiving