A Humanistic Theory Approach to Therapy
Carl Rogers is one of the most influential theorists in the psychological field. His theories introduced the view of looking at a client’s whole life holistically, rather than nitpicking at only certain aspects. One of his most popular theories would be Humanistic Psychology. This theory looks at a client’s past, present, and future while aiming to create a whole picture of their situation in order to reach a goal that is set for the client in their sessions. Another concept Rogers used within this theory was the concept of self-actualization borrowed from Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, and the steps used to reach it.
Self-actualization is derived from three core concepts overlapping and coexisting. These three consist of self-worth, self-image, and the ideal self. Rogers had principles within his theory that were basic guidelines to ensure a good life. These principles include: accepting all experiences new and old, enjoy and live each moment of life to its fullest, trusting in oneself to make the right decisions, maximizing freedom of choice, thinking and adapting creatively without necessarily fitting into a certain mold, being reliable with others (such as friend groups, work, and family), and preferring to live a full and enriching life. These principles that Rogers listed as the gateway to a good life are based in the common theme of a full life that you take responsibility for, and trust in yourself to make the decisions necessary for giving yourself an ideal and rich life. Rogers believed that people behave the way that they have because of the particular lens people see their lives through. Meaning that whatever situation we put ourselves in, the way we perceive it is how the outcome is determined. The humanistic approach is centered around the idea that people are capable of reaching their goals and achieving things in their life because of how life continues and how people evolve and change and grow.
Carl Rogers was one of the biggest influences in the psychological field because he promoted a holistic way for people to view their therapy sessions as well as therapists and their view of their clients as whole people. His humanistic theory focused on living life to the fullest being a central component in ideal living. Pulling from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, the need for self-actualization is a contributor to living the ideal life because of Rogers’ belief that the three main components of self-actualization (self-worth, self-image, ideal self) were stepping stones towards creating a life that is enriching and fulfilling for the person. Rogers’ theories made such a difference in the sense that therapists who use his theories in their practices use a holistic approach to how they examine a client’s life and situation that they are in. For instance, if a person experiences trauma, a Rogerian therapist would look at a person’s past present and future to help the client reach the goal of healing and living life to the fullest and as their fully authentic selves.
Written by Kylie Hamacher, undergraduate intern