Humanistic Psychology
I am also strongly influenced by the principles of humanistic psychology, a client-centered approach which holds the philosophy that, in order for a person to grow, an environment is needed that provides that person with 1) Congruence and Genuineness: openness and self-disclosure upon the therapist, allowing the client to see the therapist as he or she really is authentically), 2) Unconditional Positive Regard: the therapist having a genuine caring for the client, allowing for the client to feel valued and accepted as he or she truly is (it is important to differentiate that, though the therapist may not approve of some of the client’s actions, the therapist does hold the attitude of accepting the client for who he or she is), and 3) Empathy: continuing to strive to understand what the client is feeling and experiencing in the here and now, and communicating this to the client so that the client feels heard and understood.
I believe that, with the therapist holding these principles of humanistic psychology, it allows for both the client and the therapist to grow in the therapeutic relationship, as opposed to viewing the therapeutic relationship in such a way that the therapist is above the client and that it is only the client who needs to grow in the therapeutic process.