what are the dangers with humanistic counselling?

Answer 1

Orchidmg ..... "humanistic" counselling means that your counsellor/psychotherapist is trained in one of the styles where the counsellor-client relationship is central to the process of client change. Gestalt, Person-centred, psychospiritual and cognitive behavioural are the main different ways of humanistic counselling. This kind of counselling is "humanistic" in contrast to "analytical" therapies such as Freudian, Jungian, Kleinian, and Adlerian which work on a braodly quasi-medical model where the therapist 'works on' the "patient" (not "client").

It would be a mistake to exaggerate the dangers. Most people who go for counselling get some benefit.

Most of the "dangers" for the client/patient are the same for humanistic as for analytical work -- relationship power dangers such as abuse by the therapist (it can happen, but seems to be pretty rare nowadays because counsellors can be both sued for it and challenged in their professional body) or what one might call 'mental bullying' that leaves you feeling more vulnerable than before you started.... retraumatisation if you are led to go through some awful experience in your past again..... waste of money if you spend many dozens of sessions and get nowhere (at least it's less money than psychoanalysis).....

Humanistic counsellors don't prescribe drugs so you are safe from those physiological risks.

Person-Centred counselling probably has the fewest dangers because the counsellor should go at your pace and focus on what you bring up, never trying to steer you in a direction of their choosing that you may be too scared to go in.

For the vast majority of people, though, the worst that can happen in humanistic counselling is nothing. And if you realise after a few sessions that you don't get on with your counsellor, it is usually simple to change to another one. Another person trained in the same way may be very helpful for you, because with him/her you experience that the relationship works well.

Answer 2

For many, there are no dangers. Some conservative Christians may not be comfortable with it because it doesn't emphasize-or de-emphasize God's will in the treatment/methodologies employed. Christian counseling would most likely be the therapy of choice for those so concerned.

Most humanistic psychology I've studied is ethical, and promotes honesty, respect, dignity, and genuine concern for the welfare of the parties receiving counseling. No dangers in that.

Answer 3

I can see no dangers. For counselling to work the client needs to be at ease with the therapist and if humanistic works for the individual then that is great. Perhaps you could be more specific.

Answer 4

I don't understand the term humanistic counseling. Do u mean to seek help from another human?

I have been talking with a counselor for 3 yrs now and am on meds for bipolar disorder. I need the help. When I am off my meds I try to kill myself. Therefore I need help and seek it as often as possible. There are times when I don't agree with her and I tell her. She is very open minded and knows that what helps one person might not help another. Some counselors aren't fully qualified to do so just like some doctors shouldn't be practicing medicine. If you feel uncomfortable tell them or seek a different person. I mean, it is your body and your life.

Answer 5

what other types of counselling are there?