HUMANISTIC PSYCHOTHERAPY

This course aims to introduce students to the main principles that guide humanistic psychotherapy, by focusing on some important theoretical and clinical issues. More specifically, students are introduced to the main humanistic and existential theories about the mind, development and psychological distress, as well as theories about the process of therapeutic change. The main principles of humanistic psychotherapy are presented, and the main techniques of humanistic practice are discussed, including the therapist’s attitude and the role of the therapeutic relationship. Several different humanistic psychotherapy approaches are discussed, including person-centred therapy, gestalt therapy, existential psychotherapy and narrative therapy.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will:
•know the main tenets of humanistic and existential theory regarding the human mind and psychological distress
•Know the main humanistic models regarding therapeutic change
•Be able to describe the main trends in humanistic and existential psychotherapy approaches
•Be familiar with the main principles of humanistic psychotherapy practice