Humanism

The branch of psychology which focuses on the growth, free will, and potential of the individual is called humanism. Its emergence was a response to behaviorism and psychoanalysis, and thus it focuses on conscious experience, and neither on the drives of the unconscious nor on conditioned behavior. Humanistic psychologists, like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, hold the view that people are inherently good and are driven towards self-actualization, which is the desire to achieve one’s fullest potential. This approach emphasizes empathy, personal meaning, and authenticity as vital for mental well-being. Therapists from the humanistic approach help their clients achieve their self-fulfilled potential by addressing their feelings and strengths.