Humanistic Theory

Humanistic approach was formed in late 1950's as a reaction and response of therapists such as Maslow, Rogers or Rollo May that felt that " existing theories failed to adequately address issues like meaning of behavior and nature of healthy growth"(Glassman 2009 ). It resulted in fundamentally new approach being named a third force in psychology.

Humanistic thinkers had been searching for more holistic, meaningful and optimistic vision of human, were all human beings have innate capacity to grow and achieve their full potential which they called self-actualization (Sanders 2002).They believed that concepts such as self, health, creativity, intrinsic nature, being, becoming, individual, hope, love and meaning should become central concern of such an approach to psychology (Association for Humanistic Psychology 2001).

Early school of thoughts was very focused on abnormal human behavior, inner hidden complexes and fears. Humanistic approach being inspired by powerful philosophies of existentialism and humanism moved away from that medical model that emphasized the role of unconscious mind, focusing instead on the healthiest aspects of client's personality, to move toward increasing psychological health. It happened in order to open up a nonpathologizing view of the person and emphasize the uniquely human capacity to understand ones place in the world and relationship with others.

Humanists like Carl Rogers rejected determinism and argued that meaning of human behavior is essentially personal and subjective, and believing that human behaviour can be only objectively understood, and individual is incapable to do so, is essentially dangerous to well-being (Glassman 2009). Rogers believed that once we are given the right conditions, we are able to solve our own problems and heal our psychological hurts. According to Sanders (2002: 31) "The therapist provides these conditions in which we can explore our own experiences. This will help strengthen our self-structure and our tendency towards actualisation."

The fundamental core of human personality is constructive and forward moving therefore the concept of self-actualization is an empirical principle and an ethical idea in humanistic approach (Association for Humanistic Psychology 2001).It leads to fully mature and developed personality. It is something that cannot be detached from us and is innate in its nature. Self-development is another key theme. We all are seen as being in a process of growth which is natural and needful.Rowan (2011) writes "All through our infancy, childhood and adolescence we are going through very substantial changes, involving our most basic attitudes and how we see ourselves". Humanist's thinkers put an emphasis on the idea of continuous growth that won't be limited in any stadium of our lives and that will allow us to evolve into fulfilled human beings.