strength of the humanistic approach

• + Positive approach to human behaviour and mental health​
• + Successful and effective therapies ​
• + Free will ​
• + Holistic ​
• *Counterarguments for all these strengths ​
• • Elliott (2002) → meta-analysis of 86 studies found that humanistic therapies created significant improvement in clients when compared to people not receiving treatment
• Gibbard (2008) → CCT is just as effective in helping with common MH issues as other therapies (CBT)
• it has led to the development of effective and widely used therapies. 

  There is empirical support for the effectiveness of this approach. For example, Elliott (2002) conducted a meta-analysis of 86 studies and found that person-centred therapy showed significant improvements in clients' wellbeing and was effective for a range of psychological issues, including mild to moderate depression and anxiety. Many clients report increased self-esteem, improved coping skills and greater life satisfaction following treatment. 

  This evidence shows that the humanistic approach has real-world benefits and practical application in improving psychological wellbeing. It has also had a lasting influence on the field of counselling, particularly in the development of humanistic and integrative therapies used in health, education, and community settings. 
• One strength of the humanistic approach is that it takes a positive and optimistic view of human behaviour and mental health. 

  The humanistic approach emphasises growth, potential, and personal development. For example, all individuals are born with an innate drive to achieve self-actualisation, and that with the right conditions of worth and unconditional positive regard, people can thrive.  

  This has been praised for promoting a more empowering and respectful view of individuals, encouraging people to take control of their lives and improve their wellbeing. This positive outlook is particularly valuable in therapeutic settings, as it can increase clients' motivation and self-belief. It also contrasts with other approaches, such as the psychodynamic or behaviourist perspectives, which often focus on dysfunction and determinism 
• A further strength of the humanistic approach is its focus on free will and personal responsibility. 

  This is seen in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, where individuals are motivated to grow and make conscious decisions to fulfil their potential, and in Rogers' belief that people can take responsibility for their self-concept and change it. 

  Unlike deterministic approaches, such as the biological or behaviourist models, humanistic psychology argues that people can choose their actions and control their behaviour. This is empowering for individuals and aligns with many people’s everyday experiences of making choices, setting goals, and taking personal responsibility for their behaviour.  

  Therefore, the humanistic approach respects free will and promotes a more ethical and optimistic view of behaviour. 

  However, a counterargument is that this strong emphasis on free will may place too much responsibility on the individual
• One of the key strengths of the humanistic approach is that it takes a holistic view of human behaviour. 

  Rather than reducing behaviour to one factor, such as biology or conditioning, it considers the full range of influences on a person, including their thoughts, emotions, experiences, relationships, and potential for growth. For example, Maslow's theory considered physical, emotional, social and self-fulfilment needs.  

  This contrasts with the reductionism found in other approaches and offers a more comprehensive and meaningful understanding of individuals. By recognising the complexity of human behaviour, the humanistic approach is more reflective of real-life experience and better suited to understanding the subjective, personal nature of psychological wellbeing. It is particularly effective in counselling settings, where the therapist must understand the client as a whole person, not just a set of symptoms.