Humanistic Psychotherapies

This thoroughly revised update to the first edition highlights cutting edge research on the effectiveness of various humanistic psychotherapy approaches. Illustrative case examples containing vivid client–therapist dialogue demonstrate how to apply humanistic principles in practice.

Humanistic psychotherapy is based on more than 70 years of psychological research, but there has been a surge of literature since the first edition of Humanistic Psychotherapies. This extensively updated volume highlights the flourishing evidence base for humanistic approaches, demonstrating that they are equal to or more effective than other therapeutic approaches. In fact, cornerstones of humanistic practice, such as therapist empathy and authentic emotional expression and experience, are essential to promoting positive client outcomes for non-humanistic practitioners as well.

In addition to a general review of research, the contributors focus on specific approaches, including person-centered therapy, gestalt therapy, focusing-oriented therapy, existential therapy, emotion-focused therapy, relationship enhancement therapy, and child-centered play therapy. Also discussed are important therapist factors and client variables that contribute to effective psychotherapy.

New findings are translated into practical guidelines for clinicians. Numerous case examples with vivid client–therapist dialogues illustrate how humanistic principles and approaches can be applied in actual practice—not just with individuals, but also with couples, families, and children. The final chapter synthesizes the entire volume with a proposed model for optimal humanistic psychotherapeutic practice, based on 20 simple premises drawn from the best evidence available.