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Humanistic Psychology : Psychology And Psychology

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Humanistic Psychology is a psychological sub-field which became prominent in the 20th century as a response to the limitations of the psychoanalytic theory and behaviorism (Cherry, n.d.). The main purpose is to help patients gain a belief that all people are inheritably good. Its roots starts with Socrates and emphasizes an individual’s inherent drive towards self-actualization. Humanistic psychology utilizes a holistic approach to human existence and focuses on things such as creativity, free will, and a positive human potential. It encourages a self-awareness and mindfulness that helps change the client’s behavior from one of reaction to one with more productive self-awareness and thoughtful actions. When first developed humanistic psychology was known as third-force psychology so that it could be distinguished from the less humanistic approaches Sigmund Freud and B.F. Skinner (Hall, 2007). Humanistic theory is summarized by five different core principles (Cherry, n.d.). The first one states that human beings supersede the sum of their parts and cannot be reduced to components. The second one states that humans have their existence in a uniquely human context as well as in a cosmic ecology. The third one states that human are conscious and human consciousness always includes and awareness of oneself in the context of other people. The fourth princuiple states that humans have the ability to make choices and as a result have responsibility. The finaal principle states that

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