ABSTRACT
This chapter reviews the origins of 'Humanistic Psychology' and critiques the view that it represents a 'third force' in psychology as, in philosophical terms, a 'category error'. It argues that it is clearer and more congruent for practitioners who identify as 'humanistic' to return to principles and theories of humanism which underpin diverse psychological and therapeutic practice that might encompass working with unconscious as well as conscious material, the dynamics of the psyche, and working both cognitively and behaviourally. The chapter aims to appeal also to practitioners who might practise other approaches, such as psychodynamic therapy, but who regard themselves as humanists. For many years, the three forces of psychology have been a major organizing principle, and while, these days, the term 'force' is rarely used in this context, these traditions have informed both the literature in the field of psychology, psychotherapy, counselling and counselling psychology and the organization of the profession, e.g. the United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).
