What is a key principle of humanistic counselling?

In humanistic counselling, a central principle is the emphasis on the client's subjective experience and perspective. This approach fosters an environment in which clients feel understood and validated, promoting a belief that their feelings and experiences are important and meaningful. By considering the client "right," it reflects a non-judgmental stance where the therapist supports the individual's journey of self-discovery and personal growth. This principle is underpinned by the idea that individuals have the capacity for self-understanding and self-direction, and that respecting their views is vital in the therapeutic process.

This approach stands in contrast to other therapeutic methods that may place more emphasis on the therapist's expertise or objective measures, which do not align with the core belief of respecting and valuing the client's inherent worth and agency. Consequently, the humanistic perspective encourages an empathetic therapist-client relationship that nurtures emotional connections and fosters personal insight.