Humanistic Therapy in London
A compassionate, person-centred approach that honours your whole self and supports your journey towards growth, self-actualisation, and authentic living.
What is Humanistic Therapy?
Humanistic therapy is a holistic approach to counselling that views you as a whole person—not just a collection of symptoms to be fixed. Rooted in the work of pioneering psychologists Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, humanistic therapy is built on a profound belief in every person's innate capacity for self-actualisation: the drive to become the fullest, most authentic version of yourself.
Unlike approaches that focus narrowly on behaviours or thought patterns, humanistic therapy considers your experiences, feelings, relationships, values, and potential. It recognises that you are the expert on your own life, and my role as your therapist is not to diagnose or prescribe, but to create a warm, accepting space where you feel safe to explore, grow, and discover your own path forward.
Humanistic therapy is the overarching framework for my practice. With a BSc (Hons) in Humanistic Counselling from the Metanoia Institute, I integrate humanistic principles into everything I do, drawing on Person-Centred, Gestalt, and Transactional Analysis modalities to tailor therapy to your unique needs.
The Founders of Humanistic Therapy
Humanistic therapy emerged in the 1950s as the "third force" in psychology, offering an alternative to psychoanalysis and behaviourism.
Carl Rogers
Rogers developed Person-Centred Therapy, emphasising the therapeutic relationship and three core conditions: unconditional positive regard, empathic understanding, and congruence. He believed that given the right conditions, people naturally move towards growth and healing.
His radical idea: You are the expert on yourself—not the therapist.
Abraham Maslow
Maslow introduced the concept of self-actualisation—the drive to realise your full potential and become your most authentic self. His hierarchy of needs showed that once basic needs are met, we naturally strive for meaning, growth, and fulfilment.
His core belief: People are fundamentally good and capable of growth.
Core Concepts of Humanistic Therapy
Self-Actualisation
The innate drive within each of us to grow, develop, and become our most authentic self. Humanistic therapy supports this natural tendency towards wholeness.
Holistic View of the Person
Rather than focusing solely on symptoms or problems, humanistic therapy considers your whole self: your feelings, thoughts, relationships, values, creativity, and potential.
The Core Conditions
Rogers identified three essential conditions for therapeutic change: unconditional positive regard (acceptance without judgment), empathic understanding (seeing your world through your eyes), and congruence (the therapist being genuine and real).
Free Will and Personal Agency
Humanistic therapy recognises your autonomy and capacity to make choices. You're not a victim of your past or your biology—you have the power to shape your future.
Subjective Experience
Your personal, lived experience is what matters most. Humanistic therapy honours your unique perspective rather than imposing external interpretations or diagnoses.
How Humanistic Therapy Differs from Other Approaches
Humanistic vs. CBT: While Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours, humanistic therapy takes a broader, more exploratory approach. Instead of targeting specific symptoms, we explore your whole self, your relationships, your values, and your potential. Humanistic therapy is non-directive—I trust you to find your own answers rather than prescribing techniques.
Humanistic vs. Psychodynamic: Psychodynamic therapy focuses heavily on unconscious processes and past experiences, particularly childhood. While humanistic therapy acknowledges the influence of the past, it places greater emphasis on the present moment, your current experience, and your future potential. The focus is on growth, not just resolving past conflicts.
The Humanistic Difference: Humanistic therapy is fundamentally optimistic. It sees you not as broken or disordered, but as a person with inherent worth, wisdom, and capacity for growth. The therapeutic relationship itself—built on warmth, acceptance, and authenticity—becomes a powerful agent of change.
How Humanistic Therapy Integrates with Other Modalities
Humanistic therapy is a broad framework that encompasses several specific modalities. In my practice, I integrate three humanistic approaches to create a truly tailored experience:
Person-Centred Therapy
The foundation of my work. I provide the core conditions—acceptance, empathy, and genuineness—to create a safe space for self-exploration.
Learn more about Person-Centred Therapy →Gestalt Therapy
Bringing awareness to the present moment, body sensations, and unfinished emotional business. Gestalt techniques help you integrate fragmented parts of yourself.
Learn more about Gestalt Therapy →Transactional Analysis
Understanding patterns in how you relate to yourself and others. TA provides clear frameworks for recognising ego states, life scripts, and relationship dynamics.
Learn more about Transactional Analysis →Frequently Asked Questions
Experience Humanistic Therapy
Book a free 15-minute consultation to discover how humanistic therapy can support your journey towards growth and self-actualisation.