Psychotherapy, Counselling, Coaching and Analysis in Glasgow

The first thing to point out is that there is no universally accepted definition of what these are. Indeed there is no agreement as to whether they constitute the same thing or different therapies. This is increased as a problem in definitions when you consider that most therapists use a number of different styles and modalities according to their own style and practice. This further confuses the issue and muddies any boundaries when looking for clear definitions. Usually it is agreed that there are three main styles: Humanistic, Psychodynamic and Behavioural. There are also many specific industry styles such as pastoral, spiritual, crisis, short term and so on.

What is Humanistic psychotherapy?

Although many therapists have contributed to Humanistic therapy or counselling, Carl Rogers is perhaps the most important. Rogers was in effect the founder of person centred psychotherapy and his work helped to found the principles of other methods too. His own contribution however was based in humanistic principle, often referred to as humanistic or person centred therapy. Humanistic therapies now include humanistic coaching, humanistic psychology, humanistic counselling and humanistic psychotherapy. 

Denise is a CCC registered counsellor, Stuart is a NCP and NACHP registered psychotherapist and  counsellor with a MSc Psychology.

We adhere to appropriate National Occupational Standards, carry professional insurance and support regulation of therapists. We support the coming voluntary regulation of psychotherapy and counselling. Stuart is a CNHC registered hypnotherapist (voluntary regulation of hypnotherapy).

Theories of Humanistic Psychotherapy

The main premise is that the person has an innate desire and drive for self improvement.

Rogers coined the term actualisation. The theory is that the human has the desire and drive to actualise their potential. If you like to be the best they can be.

Rogers believed that through providing empathy and a caring supportive environment, the therapist can assist the client to self actualise. 

Empathy is the professional version of sympathy. Empathy involves understanding the client's viewpoint, but without associating to the emotions as one might with sympathy. 

Through the use of empathy, a supportive environment and person centred counselling approaches the client is helped to "heal themselves".

Self Actualisation, Humanistic Counselling / Therapy

Rogers believed that people need to work through "fake" versions of themselves in order to reach the "real" self. Often it is a crisis that triggers the person into realising that they have not been living the true self. At these times the person may be triggered into getting in touch with the true feelings, needs and ambitions that may have been suppressed until that point. This explains both why clients often seek lasting change after a crisis event, and why personalities are often radically different after a crisis.

A major difference between the humanistic approach and more traditional psychoanalysis, is the focus on the positive sides of the client's character. Rogers refers to Unconditional Positive Regard. He believes this unconditional love is essential and is craved since childhood. This therefore requires an attitude of acceptance and non judgmental practice from the therapist. He believed that when provided with this nurturing and accepting environment, the client would be more likely to accept themselves and be self confident. He also believed truth and honesty were vital in the therapy approach. Rogers believed the core approaches therefore were Empathy, Unconditional Positive Regard and Genuineness. 

What is involved and who to choose in Glasgow?

In person centred therapy, the overall guiding principle for the therapist is "you have one mouth and two ears, use them in that proportion". As a result the client does far more talking than the therapist. The therapist may encourage a topic for discussion, but with then assist the client by reflecting back information to them. The client speaks, often gushing information, the therapist acts as a mirror, enabling the client to analyse what they themselves said. It is true to say that when you hear something you said repeated back to you, perhaps in a subtly different form, it can take deeper meaning.

By discussion, and reflection, understanding is gained and the client is focused onto positive issues, feelings and outcomes. The client becomes more confident, self aware and strong.

The author does not believe that Person Centred Therapy is a "cure-all". Therefore he recommends that clients seek therapists with more than one modality (type of therapy) available. That way if person centred counselling/ therapy is not for them, or indeed if their needs change during the healing process, the therapist is equipped to adapt to their needs.