their therapies. The phenomenological-humanistic-
existential axis has brought them in touch once
more with the essential data of experience and
awareness.
Choices. The phenomenological and humanistic-
existential therapies also are reminders that humans
are more than just concatenations of instincts, urges,
and habits. We are not simply automatons that
respond to stimuli. We make choices, we decide,
we change, we examine ourselves, and yes, we
even invent such words asexistentialandhumanistic.
Human beings are not only the objects of study; they
are also the initiators of study. For perhaps too many
years, psychology has tried to deny its essential
human qualities by slavishly following the paths of
the biologists and the physicists. Although the con-
troversy over free will versus determinism is unlikely
to be resolved soon, there does seem to be a growing
recognition that a simple deterministic view of the
individual can be sterile and unproductive.
The Present. By emphasizing the present, phe-
nomenologists have helped the field to cast aside the
view that positive change can only be achieved by
insight into the past or by some enlightened awareness
of the true nature of the unconscious. By exercising
choice and responsibility, we can all mold the present
and thereby escape the constrictions of the past.
The Relationship. Many of the therapies des-
cribed in this chapter have attached great value to
the therapeutic relationship. These therapies often
represent a triumph of relationship over technique.
Conventional therapies had long recommended a
detached therapist who exercised benign interest
and cool skill. Whether the newly prescribed role
is one of passive yet unconditional positive regard,
acceptance, or jumping in feet first to “have an
encounter”with the patient, things have certainly
changed. The nature of the therapeutic relationship
is obviously of crucial importance and may indeed be
a major contributor to the success or failure of any
brand of therapy. With this recognition, the thera-
peutic relationship is no longer considered a given or
an unobtrusive backdrop. It has become a major part
of the foreground, thanks in part to phenomenolo-
gists and to humanistic-existential therapists.Growth. For many years, the emphasis in therapy
has been on psychopathology, sickness, or behav-
ioral deficits. However, the humanists and the exis-
tentialists have brought an emphasis on positive
growth. They look not so much for sickness as for
self-actualizing tendencies or growth potential.
They seek not to contain pathology but to liberate
awareness, feeling, being, peak experiences, and
freedom. This is heady language that may some-
times exhilarate to the point of confusion. But it
does point out an essential emphasis on the positive
rather than a sometimes depressing and stultifying
emphasis on the negative. Thus, the goal has
become not only the healing of psychopathology
but also personal growth. Many institutes, growth
centers, encounter groups, and weekend retreats
have sprung up to serve those who feel the need
for experiences that will expand their awareness and
heighten their authenticity as human beings.Limitations
Now we can turn to the problem side of the coin as
we evaluate the phenomenological and humanistic-
existential approaches.Prejudicial Language. The general humanistic
movement, like the more specific client-centered
approach, can sometimes be accused of using lan-
guage prejudicially. The constant use of words such
ashumanistic,acceptance,freedom,self-fulfillment,growth,
andauthenticseems to suggest by implication that
all other approaches preach inhumanity, rejection,
authoritarianism, emptiness, and phoniness. Yet
nearly all psychoanalysts, psychiatrists, behaviorists,
cognitive therapists, and eclectic psychotherapists
are accepting persons who care a great deal; who
are interested, involved, and permissive; and who
try to do the best job possible to help their patients
experience richer and more fulfilling lives. In
short, not all the attributes that are said to be at
the core of the humanistic movement are its pri-
vate domain.390 CHAPTER 13