Humanistic therapy

Humanistic therapy places the person's lived experience, values and capacity for growth at the centre of the work. The therapist aims to offer empathy, honesty and acceptance so the client can explore feelings without being judged or reduced to a diagnosis. Greater self-understanding and self-acceptance can support more confident, meaningful choices.

What sessions may involve

Client-led conversation in an empathic relationship, with space to explore feelings, values and lived experience.

What it may suit

May suit someone wanting to be heard without a heavily directive or diagnostic frame.

Delivery and fit

The pace is often led by the client. Online fit can depend on feeling able to speak privately and connect with the therapist.

Evidence and uncertainty

Humanistic approaches are widely practised, but evidence varies by specific model, condition and outcome measured.

Explore other approaches