Humanistic therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the present. It asserts that all people are capable of growth and positive change.
Providers who practice humanistic therapy are there to offer empathy, compassion, and support. But clients get to set their own goals and decide what they want to get from treatment.
If you’re interested in exploring existential questions (like the meaning of life), clarifying your values, and increasing your self-awareness, humanistic therapy might be right for you.
Humanistic therapy is a holistic form of talk therapy that focuses on the present. It sees each person as capable of growth and invites exploration of life’s big questions.
Providers who practice humanistic therapy see their clients as experts on themselves. Their role is to offer empathy and create a safe therapeutic environment. In humanistic therapy, clients set the pace and decide what to focus on. Like other therapies, humanistic therapy isn’t right for everyone. But learning more about it can help you decide if it might be right for you.
How humanistic therapy works
Research shows that humanistic therapy can help people manage a variety of mental health concerns. Some of these concerns include substance use disorder (SUD), depression, anxiety disorders, and grief.
While humanistic therapists don’t all practice in the same way, they rely on a few shared principles:
A present-focus: Past events can be important. But humanistic therapy sees working toward change in the present as a more effective way to grow.
Reframing problems: Mental health challenges are believed to arise when a person is unable to independently make meaningful choices for themselves.
Strong therapeutic relationships: The therapeutic relationship itself is seen as a vehicle for change. Therapists using this approach are warm, collaborative, accepting, and trust that their clients know what’s best for themselves.
Client-centered approach: Humanistic providers honor a client’s subjective reality. This includes embracing their cultural identity and autonomy over their lives.
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Types of humanistic therapy
Here are a few of the most common approaches that fall under the umbrella of humanistic therapy:
Existential therapy
Existential therapy is all about exploring life’s big questions like, “What’s the purpose of life?” and, “Why am I here?” Some people find that in exploring these questions, they find relief from anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
Client-centered therapy
Client-centered therapy (also known as Rogerian therapy) was founded on the idea that people naturally want to grow, heal, and live in healthy ways. Clients lead the conversation and decide what to work on. Therapists are there to offer judgment-free support but trust that clients can find solutions.
Gestalt therapy
Gestalt therapy is an interactive, creative type of therapy that maintains a focus on the present. It examines how people experience their environment and how that affects their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Gestalt therapy also involves explorations of personal responsibility and the mind-body connection to create positive change.
Logotherapy
Logotherapy was created by Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist Viktor Frankl. It asserts that human beings must search for meaning and purpose, especially in difficult times. When things seem dark and choices are being taken away, logotherapy reminds us that we always get to choose our values and attitudes.
Narrative therapy
Narrative therapy encourages people to reconsider their role in their life stories. It helps people reclaim and rewrite their narratives and see themselves as separate from their problems. Narrative therapy also helps people determine their personal values and make choices that align with them.
Who’s a good candidate for a humanistic approach?
If you’re unsure how to choose a type of therapy, learning about the various options can help.
Humanistic therapy might be a good fit if you:
Feel drawn to existential questions, like the meaning of life
Prefer a less direct approach to therapy
Want a provider who feels like an empathic collaborator as opposed to a clinical “expert”
Aren’t interested in analyzing your past and would rather focus on the here and now
Want to increase your self-awareness and improve your relationships
Want to define your personal values and learn to make choices based on them
Although humanistic approaches can be helpful for many people, they aren’t right for everyone. On its own, humanistic therapy isn’t typically a fit for people with severe mental health concerns. For example, a person who’s experiencing suicidal thoughts* and/or active psychosis may need more intensive support.
*The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support with trained crisis counselors. If you or a loved one is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, please call or text 988.
If experiencing a life-threatening emergency or you need immediate help, please call 911.
How to get started with humanistic therapy
If you’re feeling drawn to humanistic therapy, the good news is that many providers offer it. You can find a humanistic therapist by:
Requesting a referral: Your doctor, psychiatrist, or other healthcare provider may be able to help you find a humanistic therapist you can meet with in person or online.
Searching online: Review individual provider websites, directories, and telehealth platforms. Look for a therapist who specializes in humanistic approaches (like narrative, Gestalt, client-centered, or existential therapies).
Asking questions: When you meet with a prospective provider, ask them about which psychological theories they use in their practice. Let them know that you’re interested in humanistic approaches. If that’s not something they offer, ask if they know a therapist who does.
Many clients are surprised by how empowering humanistic therapy feels. They start to see that they already have insight and strength within themselves. It often shifts their view of therapy from being ‘fixed’ to being truly understood.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Clinical reviewer
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Humanistic therapy is a form of care that focuses on the present. It offers an opportunity to wrestle with big questions like, “What is the purpose of life?” and, “What are my values?”
The interventions a humanistic therapist uses can vary. But all humanistic approaches prioritize the therapeutic relationship. As a holistic treatment, humanistic therapy has been shown to help people manage depression, anxiety, substance use disorder (SUD), and more.
At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best.
Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we're here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.
Liz Talago
Liz Talago, M.ed. is a mental health professional turned content writer and strategist based in the Detroit metro area. As an independent consultant for mental health organizations, Liz creates meaningful connections between brands and their audiences through strategic storytelling. Liz is known for championing diverse perspectives within the mental health industry and translating bold ideas into inspiring, affirming digital experiences.
In her free time, you can find her hiking with her two German Shepherds, puttering around her dahlia garden, or spending time with her family.
Brandy Chalmers, LPC
Having faced challenges like childhood abuse, neglect, and the loss of her father to suicide, Brandy Chalmers is deeply passionate about providing compassionate care. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Registered Play Therapist with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapy.
Brandy also teaches at a university, sharing her expertise with future mental health professionals. With over a decade of experience in settings like inpatient care and private practice, she specializes in helping clients with perfectionism, trauma, personality disorders, eating disorders, and life changes.
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Members of Rula’s clinical leadership team and other expert providers contribute to all published content, offering guidance on themes and insights based on their firsthand experience in the field. Every piece of content is thoroughly reviewed by a clinician before publishing.
