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Humanistic psychotherapy is the term for human-centered psychotherapy in holistic terms. So, his feelings, experiences and self-perception are crucial. As part of humanistic psychotherapy, the patient turns his gaze inward, strives for self-acceptance and a better understanding of himself. Gestalt psychotherapy and Rogers psychotherapy are based on the assumptions of humanistic psychotherapy.
Humanistic psychotherapy – main assumptions
At the heart of humanistic psychotherapy is humanistic thought, and therefore focused on the patient and emphasizing his autonomy. Therefore, the therapy itself is supposed to build a sense of freedom, understanding and security. The task of the psychotherapist is an open conversation with the patient, without judging or imposing specific methods of action. A person who visits a specialist using humanistic techniques has a chance to analyze their thoughts and feelings, better understand their sources and work on issues related to self-esteem.
On the basis of humanistic psychology, many therapeutic trends have emerged, including Virginia Satir family therapy, Rogersian psychotherapy, humanistic and existential psychotherapy or Gestalt psychotherapy. Depending on the specific approach, humanistic psychotherapy can therefore be used in individual therapies focusing on the individual, but also in working to achieve a better understanding of others in the group.
Humanistic psychotherapy – indications
Psychotherapy from the humanistic trend they allow for the creation of a specific relationship between the patient (or client) and the therapist. The center of gravity is shifted to the patient and his individual development process, but the leader is to accompany this process and play the role of an understanding mentor. Reducing the therapeutic distance may promote self-recognition and give a sense of security. Such conditions may favor people who work on self-acceptance or want to develop internally.
Humanistic psychotherapy can also be used in the case of patients with psychosomatic symptoms, obsessive-compulsive disorders, emotional problems, phobias or depression.
Nowadays, in the case of more serious mental disorders, other therapeutic approaches are more commonly used, including cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy or psychodynamic psychotherapy. Many psychotherapists work in these trends, and the effectiveness of treatment with these methods is noticeable, among others in the case of neuroses, anxiety, personality disorders or depression. Nevertheless, it is often assumed that the effectiveness of various psychotherapeutic approaches is similar.
There are no unequivocal studies on the durability of the results that would indicate a single best school of psychotherapy. It should be noted that the effectiveness of treatment depends not only on the therapeutic trend, but also on the individual preferences of the patient. Not everyone will find their way to the humanistic session, just as not everyone has to like psychoanalysis.
The course of humanistic psychotherapy
The process of self-development, learning or treatment that accompanies humanistic psychotherapy also depends on several factors. One of them is a specific humanistic trend on which a specialist is based (eg Gestalt, existential psychotherapy). The method of forming an understanding with the patient depends on the therapist’s approach. The first step in creating this relationship is psychotherapeutic consultation – it may even be several sessions during which both sides have the opportunity to get to know each other. If the patient is satisfied with the form of meetings, he may decide to discuss the terms of psychotherapeutic contact.
- Find out more: The course of psychotherapy – contracts, goals, methodology, duration
During proper psychotherapy, the issues and problems discussed depend on the individual needs of the patient. Therapy is based on dialogue, building trust and a specific therapeutic relationship. The key is to focus on the moment – it is an experience that allows not only to explore your self, but also to have an open and genuine dialogue with the therapist. The gradual opening up during subsequent meetings is not meant to force the patient to adjust to the outside world, but to facilitate his internal evolution and alleviate the symptoms tormenting him.
Humanistic psychotherapy belongs to the group of long-term therapies. This means that it requires constant work, and it is necessary to wait for the effects to be achieved.
Humanistic psychotherapy – price
The cost of a single session as part of humanistic psychotherapy may be approximately PLN 100–170. Meetings last – depending on the office – about 50 minutes, and their frequency is usually one visit a week.
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