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Essay / Theoretical Orientation Essay - 1386
This approach emphasizes the importance of human potential and seeks to compensate for the missing component of consciousness in the psychodynamic approach. The psychologist oriented towards the humanistic approach believes that human behavior is guided by the intention and set of values of the individual (Association, 2014). Those who subscribe to this orientation believe that there is both an unconscious and a conscious element in determining behavior. The unconscious element is considered to be the individual's application of learned norms and experiences, while the conscious element is applied by making deliberate choices and decisions. A practitioner with a humanistic orientation will use different types of therapy such as client-centered therapy, Gestalt therapy, or existential therapy (American Psychological, 2015). Client-centered therapy or person-centered therapy was developed by Carl Rogers and places the client as the leader in therapy. This approach allows for growth and greater self-understanding in the individual, as they resolve their own issues, while the therapist is there to provide empathetic support (Australian, 2010). Gestalt therapy focuses on the individual's responsibility for their current situation and takes into account the relationships, environment, and social experiences that occur and influence behavior (Polster & Polster, 2010). This process involves the practitioner acting as a guide and offering advice to help the client deal with their current problem. Existential therapy involves allowing an individual to live with their problems within their own existence (Price, 2011). This means that a therapist uses this type of therapy to help clients understand what the current problem is and learn how to deal with the consequences of that problem in their daily lives. With