Differences between humanisitc approach and pyschodynamic approach in counselling

1838 Words8 Pages
The two main counselling approaches that will be discussed are Psychodynamic and Humanistic, including the theoretical principles that underpin both approaches. It is important to acknowledge that all counselling approaches agree that the core conditions are essential as the basis for any approach: incongruence, unconditional positive regard, and empathy. The theoretical principles that define the Humanistic counselling approach is in essence a positive view of human nature and believes that humans have an inbuilt ability to develop and reach their full potential, and promotes personal growth. In order for a Humanistic approach to be successful then the quality of the relationship between the counsellor and client is of paramount importance, all the core conditions, warmth, empathy and congruence should be displayed by the counsellor. This approach encompasses the view that people are trustworthy, are unique as individuals and have their own realities. These realities are determined by perceptions and personal experience both past and present; however emphasis is placed on the conscious processes in the present. This approach allows the person to be their own expert on themselves; they understand their perceptions and reactions to experiences and attribute personal significant meaning to those experiences. This approach believes that this self actualisation will occur under the correct conditions, and once this is achieved then this tendency to actualise will allow the individual to grow and solve their own issues. The theoretical principles that define the Psychodynamic counselling approach centres on the relationship between the counsellor and the client. In order for a psychodynamic approach to be successful, then a relationship that demonstrates trust, common practice and commitment needs to be present in order for the counsellor to focus on

More about Differences between humanisitc approach and pyschodynamic approach in counselling

Open Document