How Do Habits Shape Mental Health
How Do Habits Shape Mental Health
Blog Article
Humanistic Therapy Vs. Psychoanalysis
While psychoanalysis and humanistic therapy have some similarities, they differ significantly in their views on human behavior. For example, while psychoanalysis looks at unconscious motives and early childhood experiences, humanistic therapy focuses on the conscious mind and personal growth.
Psychoanalysis aims to delve into unconscious motivations and past experiences to address problematic behaviors and emotions. However, it can be a lengthy and intensive process.
Sigmund Freud
Psychoanalysis is based on the theory that human behavior is driven by unconscious forces. These are often rooted in childhood experiences of trying to meet basic needs, but remain out of the person’s conscious awareness. As adults, people use a variety of defense mechanisms to prevent these forces from becoming too acute. These include repression, displacement (channeling sexual drives into socially acceptable activities), and sublimation (channeling energy into art, work, or exercise).
The psychoanalytic method involves delving into the unconscious and interpreting dreams. This process is facilitated by a strong therapeutic relationship. Patients may initially show resistance to therapy, but this can be overcome by “working through” conflicts. Freud believed that some of these conflicts were related to past relationships and childhood experiences. He developed therapeutic techniques such as free association and dream analysis, and he introduced the concept of transference, in which patients redirect their feelings toward the therapist. Despite these advantages, psychoanalysis has its critics.
Carl Rogers
Rogers pioneered the humanistic approach to psychology. He believed that people naturally strive to grow and become the best versions of themselves. He also emphasized that the conscious mind is more important than unconscious influences. This philosophy was reflected in his client-centered therapy, which focused on building a therapeutic relationship. It also incorporated empathy and unconditional positive regard, which is a nonjudgmental attitude from the therapist.
The humanistic approach to psychology is still widely used in education, cultural relations, nursing, and interpersonal relationships. Rogers’ work influenced modern psychotherapy and was the inspiration for methods like motivational interviewing.
Rogers began his career in agriculture and was a minister before switching to psychology. He published two influential books, Counseling and Psychotherapy and Psychotherapy and Personality Change. He was also the first to audio-record his sessions and film them for scientific study. He was a professor at Ohio State University and the University of Chicago before moving to California to work at Western Behavioral Sciences Institute.
Client-centered treatment planning
Like psychoanalysis, humanistic therapy focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship. It encourages clients to confront their existential concerns, behavioral health support and it emphasizes personal growth and self-acceptance. Unlike psychoanalysis, which focuses on unconscious motivations and past experiences, client-centered therapy emphasizes positive aspects of the human experience.
Therapists should demonstrate unconditional positive regard and empathy for their patients. This helps them build a trusting and respectful relationship, and it allows them to understand the client’s point of view. They can do this by expressing genuine reactions and asking questions to clarify their view of the client’s problems.
A therapist should also be non-directive and allow the client to drive the sessions. They should avoid giving advice and let the client express their emotions. They can also help the client learn to cope with difficult emotions by reflecting their thoughts and feelings back to them. This is known as active listening. It is a valuable tool for enhancing the effectiveness of client-centered treatment.
Treatment goals
In humanistic therapy, the therapist will often take on a less-directive role and allow clients to discuss their thoughts freely. They will encourage empathy and support and will be able to provide unconditional positive regard. These aspects of the therapeutic relationship will be key in facilitating self-awareness and personal growth. The therapist may use techniques like gestalt therapy and existential therapy to promote these goals.
Unlike psychoanalysis, which focuses on uncovering unconscious thoughts and desires, humanistic therapy is more oriented towards personal growth and self-awareness. It also emphasizes the belief that people are inherently good and drive towards self-actualization.
Moreover, humanistic therapy can be helpful for overcoming negative judgments from others. It can also help you cope with difficult feelings and emotions such as sadness or anxiety. You will learn to accept your emotions and develop healthy coping skills. You will also explore concepts such as freedom and responsibility for your actions. These themes are central to humanistic therapy and can be useful in dealing with depression, anxiety, and personality disorders.