ABSTRACT
As with many of the other therapeutic approaches discussed so far (particularly psychodynamic therapies), the humanistic theories often appear to have developed from the therapies rather than vice-versa. In some instances, the links between theory and practice are not strong. In general, they share the aim of increasing the client’s self-knowledge and authenticity, with personal growth and eventual self-actualisation hopefully following from this. The way that this aim is achieved is extremely diverse, and the therapies which follow should be regarded as a selection of the most widely used and/or acclaimed rather than a comprehensive list.
