Humanistic Perspectives

Hello, I am Naomi Vazquez and I will be your moderator tonight. As we know a humanistic view in psychology puts an emphasize on the study of the whole person and an individual’s uniqueness (McLeod, 2015). The humanistic view of human behavior is more than as an observer but more of seeing through from the perspective of the client and also having a philosophical view. The humanistic perspectives that will be addressed to tonight are the person-centered and gestalt therapy from individuals who are experts in their fields. After the introductory question, a debate between the two respected psychologists their specified fields will begin. In the debate, Mr. Q, represents the Person-centered therapy and will begin by answering the introductory

Q: Like everything, it depends on the person and the situation. But normally they come in with a dissatisfaction, helpless, powerless, and discomfort, leads them to believe they may have a problem. They just don’t like where they are in life now, whether failed to meet their goal in life. An example could be not finishing college with only a few credits and are stuck at a dead-end job.

Next, we will get to hear Mr. M response to the same question.

Mr. M: It must be stated the client is the expert in themselves and their own experiences rather than me. Although, they may not have this concept when they first come to see me. They may want me to give them a purpose or a direction in which the therapy session will go. I will gradually have them lead as they are experts about themselves. Until they understand that with me they are the leader I am only following and make sure we don’t get lost in the forest.

Mr. Q will begin to with our third question: What are the principles being used when addressing a

M: As this therapy, I, as a therapist must be an active and empathetic listener to really impactive in the session. One of the main techniques used is to reflect on one’s emotions or behaviors as they provide a great insight into the client's internal turmoil (Corey, 2013). They reflect on their feelings and me as the active listener let the continue until we reach a point of clarity for what the actions or feelings mean to them.

Back to Mr. M for a response.

Mr. M: Gestalt therapy can either be administered as a group or an individual setting. The exercises that are presented are meant to provoke action, emotion, or a goal that the client has (GoodTherapy, 2015). The response to the provoking is then evaluated by the client to increase their own awareness and help them understand the here and now. Such as the empty chair technique where the client I asked to image someone in the chair (not important who) and encourage to have a dialog with them to gain a better insight into their own thoughts, emotions, or behaviors (GoodTherapy, 2015).

Both participants feel confident with their respected perspectives. And for the last question how do you know if the therapy is