1. The Humanistic Approach Humanism
The 2 key figures were
Carl Rogers
Abraham Maslow
Rogers worked with Abraham Maslow and founded
the humanist approach to psychology. He developed
the idea of a person-centred approach to therapy.
Social workers and nurses use Maslow’s theory to
help assess service users.

2. Carl Rogers The Self Self Self Concept Esteem
How we view ourselves The confidence we
Self concepts come from have in our own
‘internalising’ judgements worth
from others
Problems occur when self concept does
not match up with ideal self.

3. Roger’s Psychotherapy
Originally called client-centred therapy (CCT) in the 1950’s
Since the mid 1970’s it has been known as person-centred therapy (PCT)

4. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Abraham Maslow
This hierarchy suggests that people are motivated to fulfill basic needs before moving on to other needs.

5. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs

6. Five Levels of the Hierarchy of Needs
Physiological Needs These include the most basic needs that are vital to survival, such as the need for water, air, food and sleep.
Maslow believed that these needs are the most basic and instinctive needs in the hierarchy because all needs become secondary until these physiological needs are met.

7. 2. Security Needs These include needs for safety and security
2. Security Needs These include needs for safety and security. Security needs are important for survival, but they are not as demanding as the physiological needs.
Examples of security needs include a desire for safe environment free from harm and discrimination

8. 3. Social Needs
These include needs for belonging, love and affection. Maslow considered these needs to be less basic than physiological and security needs. Relationships such as friendships and families help fulfill this need for companionship and acceptance, as does involvement in social, community or religious groups.

9. 4. Esteem Needs
After the first three needs have been satisfied, esteem needs become increasingly important. These include the need for things that demonstrate self worth and social recognition

10. 5. Self-actualising Needs This is the highest level of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Self-actualising people are self-aware, concerned with personal growth, less concerned with the opinions of others and interested in fulfilling their potential.

11. Humanists see the job of psychology as encouraging people to develop their full potential as human beings
Humanists believe that people are able to steer their own destinies
Humanists address the “whole person”

12. A humanistic explanation of anxiety and
depression may suggest that needs are
not met. A person who feels unloved and
isolated may become anxious and
depressed according to Maslow’s theory.
Counselling is the main therapy used
The counsellor accepts the client for what they are
The counsellor is non-judgemental
The counselling relationship can provide healing

13. For humanists, anorexia is a way for the person to gain control over their life rather than parental control.
High incidence of anorexia in middle class families where expectations to succeed are high.

14. Individuals have an inherent self-actualising tendency towards fulfilment of their potential which can become blocked or obscured by painful life experiences. Identifying and removing these obstacles is key to helping the person fulfil their individual needs. This is achieved through self-directed growth and change

15. Humanistic / Person-Centred therapy is used to explore a range of issues, including depression, substance abuse, anxiety disorders, panic disorders, eating disorders, body-image issues, relationship issues and low self-esteem.