Humanistic Principles of Psychotherapy

·       People have free will and can make their own choices

·       People are capable of change and strive to fulfil potential

·       People are more than just their behaviour

·       Scientific laws do not describe everything that is human

·       People are consciously aware of their existence and can reflect, change and participate in their existence

·       People create their own meaning from their own experience; everyone’s perception is their own

Not all therapists are humanistic, and that is fine (being humanistic allows others the choice not to be.). I believe however, that therapists who tend to follow these principles tend to be successful in therapeutic interventions.

Probably the most common definition of the therapeutic relationship comes from the work of Carl Rogers that led to the development of person-centred counselling. Below we outline the main points from this view of the relationship. Rogers believed that creation of the relationship based on his defined core conditions was both necessary and sufficient to allow the client to move towards self-actualisation.

By this he meant that they could make changes, grow and adapt and so become more fulfilled in life. Use of these principles allows the practice of hypnotherapy to expand into the process of fulfilment rather than simply problem-solving.

So, what is rapport? In NLP it is narrowly defined. I believe that it is much much more than simply matching and mirroring. It has a lot to do with attitude. Therapists who develop the skills and attitudes described in this module so you will find it easy (usually) to build rapport with your clients. I say usually as there will always be times for any therapist when this is difficult.