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Combining humanistic and behavioral approach into a therapy

People's maladaptive behaviors are learnt from the environment so it is believed that the normal or adjusted behaviors can be achieved with the help of the environment. .
             Apart from the different view on human nature, the basic concepts of the two therapies also vary in some way. According to the humanistic approach, mental health is a congruence of ideal self and real self so the maladjustment is due to the discrepancy between the two selves. A successful therapy can be achieved when the clients can identify their problems and use the insights to be the means to resolve it. Whereas behaviorists state that abnormal or maladaptive behavior is the consequence of faulty learning. Therefore, their therapy is based on the principles of learning theory together with specific goals and plans developed by both the therapists and the clients. Although the therapy of the two approaches is diverse, they still share one common at least. They both focus on the present moment and present behavior. Both approaches do not aim at tracing back the past experiences or past memories. .
             Thirdly, the therapeutic goals of the two approaches constitute a difference of them. Actually, the humanistic practitioners do not have specific or well-defined goals in their therapy. Rather, their goals are in a general idea that helps the clients move toward a greater degree of independence and integration of the individual. The major concern of the humanistic therapists is to provide a safe climate for the clients for deeper self-exploration. Therefore, the clients can recognize those blocks to their growth and overcome the blocks themselves. In the contrast, behavior therapists do have specific and well-defined goals throughout their therapeutic process. The goals and plans are developed by both of the therapists and clients and are changeable if needed. The general goal is to create new conditions for learning on the assumption that learning can improve maladaptive behaviors.


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