Relating to a therapeutic approach that emphasizes human dignity, free will, and the individual's capacity for personal growth and self-actualization. It focuses on the person's subjective experience and inherent potential for positive change.
From 'humanist' (emphasizing human values and dignity) plus '-ic.' Developed in the 1950s as a 'third force' in psychology, contrasting with both behaviorism and psychoanalysis by emphasizing human potential rather than pathology.
Humanistic therapy was revolutionary because it was the first to say 'there's nothing fundamentally wrong with you' - instead of focusing on symptoms or unconscious conflicts, it assumes people have an innate drive toward growth and healing. Carl Rogers, its main developer, discovered that simply providing unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness could facilitate profound healing, changing how we think about the therapeutic relationship.
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