What type of approach does Humanism represent?

Humanism represents a growth-oriented approach. This perspective emphasizes personal development, self-actualization, and the inherent potential for individuals to grow and improve throughout their lives. Unlike behavior-focused or psychoanalytic approaches that may concentrate on modifying external behaviors or exploring unconscious motivations, humanism prioritizes the subjective experience of individuals and values their capacity for self-determination.

In a growth-oriented framework, the focus is on understanding the individual in a holistic manner, including their thoughts, feelings, and experiences, to facilitate personal growth. Humanistic psychologists believe that with the right environment—characterized by empathy, unconditional positive regard, and genuineness—individuals can learn and adapt, thus achieving their fullest potential. This stands in contrast to clinical intervention-based therapies, which often adhere to a more structured approach targeting specific psychological issues rather than fostering overall growth.