Question

Discuss how the humanistic theorists (Rogers, Maslow, and Frankl) might respond to this question from a potential client: "I have been a patient of Dr. Steve Smith, who is a psychoanalyst. He feels that I need three years of therapy to explore my id-ego conflicts (He said I need to regress back to my childhood repressions, whatever that means). I am feeling somewhat depressed, and feel that no one likes me. I think I'm too much of a loner, although I value my privacy a lot. Can you help me, or should I stay with Dr. Smith?"

Answer 1

While psychoanalytic theory aims at aims at explaining behaviour in terms of various components of personality and the dynamic interaction between these components, i.e. the id, ego and superego, humanistic theory believes in a more internalised locus of control. The inherent belief system in humanistic theory is that humans are capable of being the navigators of their own life and their unlimited potential & capacity makes them equipped to deal with all challenges of life. The notion of psychic energy is what drives and motivates people according to psychoanalytic worldview, whereas for a humanistic worker, it is the conscious awareness of self, unique needs, individual choices and the awareness of the consequences of those choices is what drives people’s actions and behaviour. This means in response to what the doctor has to offer, a humanistic worker would look at it from a different standpoint. A humanistic worker would focus of what is conscious, whereas a psychoanalytic worker like the one mentioned would focus on what is not entirely in one’s control (the unconscious mind). Therefore, Maslow or Rogers would focus on the creation of emotionally enabling environments and satisfaction to the different hierarchy of needs before one reaches their actual true potential or self actualization. This inward journey of change is rather focused on bringing about change in their lives through constant conscious reflection of one’s actions and beliefs.