Humanistic Psychotherapy
By Don Krill, LCSW

What's your approach, your orientation? A common question by people inquiring about counseling. "I use a humanistic model." Not much help. What's that – some kind of secular humanism? I've been warned about that stuff. Not for me.

Secular Humanism is a social-political term which implies for many folks the dismissal of God and replacing Him/Her with Man. That's almost opposite of Humanistic Psychotherapy, which means using a holistic approach to understanding problems: physical, social, psychological and spiritual.

A better question to pose might be: What methods do you use to bring about change for people? A psychodynamic therapist would say insight is the key. Insight into causal factors of one's problem – usually stemming from an early age. A Cognitive-Behavioral therapist would say relearning is key – seeing how patterns of behavior are problematic and learning new patterns that work more effectively. The Humanistic therapist would say that the very process of talking with another person who demonstrates warmth, genuineness and empathy generates the hope and energy necessary to cope with one's problems in different ways.

Yet even this is an oversimplification. Humanistic therapists come in varied styles: Nondirective, Existential, Transpersonal, and Gestalt are the most common. All view problems as reflecting hidden conflicts in one's present life styles and relationship system. Two wise sayings reveal the Humanistic emphasis. First, "Healing is Revealing". Second, "It's not what you know, but who you are that is important in the helping process."

Diagnostic categories are seen as questionable, in that one seeks to help the person, who is unique, not a stereotyped category. While the past is helpful for understanding, the present is where the therapeutic work must occur, for therein lies choice.