Humanistic

• Maslow's hierarchy of needs

  • Self-actualisation
  • Self-esteem
  • Love and belonging
  • Safety
  • Physiological needs
• Rogers's congruence theory

  • ideal self and actual self must be congruent
  • congruent means broadly match
  • if they do not, they are incongruent
  • incongruence causes negative feelings of self-worth that make self-actualisation impossible
• Unconditional love

  Giving individuals unconditional positive regard causes self-esteem to remain high. Conditional love as a child can cause them to experience self-esteem problems later on in life
• What does a counselling therapist need to bring?

  • Unconditional positive regard
  • Non-judgemental attitude
  • Supportiveness and empathy
• Humanism evaluation:

  + Positive approach: promotes positive image of the human condition that claims people can reach their goals and achievements and are in control of their lives

  + Not reductionist: every aspect of human behaviour is taken into account so is more valid

  - Unscientific: rejects science so is less valid and reliable

  - Cultural bias: ideas such as individual freedom and self-growth are more associated with individualist cultures, so may not apply to collectivist cultures