Humanistic Existential Psychology: UGC NET Psychology Notes!

Humanistic existential psychology is the therapeutic approach that emphasizes individual experiences, personality development, and the inherent potential for self-actualization. Humanistic existential psychology is based upon the concepts and ideas of such thinkers as Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow and focuses on understanding human behavior in the context of personal meaning and subjective experience. It aims to give enlightenment to all the problems of existence, such as freedom, choice, and direction in life. Humanistic existential psychology can assist a client in entering a judgment-free therapy so that a person will be able to explore feelings and ideations and finally become empowered to live life more meaningfully.

Humanistic Existential Psychology is a vital topic to be studied for the psychology related exam such as the UGC NET Psychology.

In this article the readers will be able to know about the following:

• Meaning of Humanistic Psychology 
• Meaning of Existential Psychology
• Difference Between Humanistic and Existential Psychology

Meaning of Humanistic Psychology 

Humanistic psychology is a perspective that accentuates the study of the whole person and the uniqueness of individual experience. It tends to focus on concepts of self-actualization, personal growth, and the latent propensity of individuals to lead lives that are rich in meaning. From Carl Rogers to Abraham Maslow, such a perspective places emphasis on subjective experiences and feelings regarding human nature and a more positive view of human existence. Humanistic psychologists believe that people are in control of their choices, and personal responsibility will determine mental health and wellness. Much of this perspective dominated therapeutic practice, highlighting empathy, unconditional positive regard, and the importance of a supportive environment.

Meaning of Existential Psychology

Existential psychology provides a field through which the entities of human existence, majorly the human would clarify notions of freedom and choice, shouldered responsibilities, and searches for meaning. It is basically grounded in existential philosophy considering individuals' inabilities to confront their mortality, the isolation, and the inevitability and uncertainty. The works of key personalities, such as Rollo May and Viktor Frankl, have indicated a better understanding in terms of the way existential dilemmas influence one's mental health and behavior. This approach to psychology compels an individual to take responsibility over the choices they make and to understand the meaning that exists for them within life, even under strain and adversity. For these reasons, this approach focuses more on subjective experience to make more people more capable and strong in response to their most existential dilemmas.

Difference Between Humanistic and Existential Psychology

Humanistic and existential psychology are two approaches which consider the subjective experience of an individual and his or her growth. Both focus on quests for meaning and a human condition, but they have remarkable differences in their philosophical base and therapeutic applications.

Conclusion

Humanistic existential psychology certainly has the potential to fully show a knowledge of the human experience as specifically from humanism along with existentialism. Individual perception and the existence of meaning are essential to psychological well-being as emphasized by humanistic and existential psychologist/doctrine. Through personal responsibility and growth capacity, this approach has helped in guiding clients to navigate challenges in life resiliently. Though it has been severely criticized for the absence of empirical rigor, no one would deny its huge impact on therapeutic practices and approaches to counseling that are client-centered. In the final analysis, humanistic existential psychology inspires humans toward living as themselves and to live meaningful lives.

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