Humanistic Music Therapy is an adoption of Carl Rogers’ approach to psychology, which emphasizes the person-centered method of working with clients. Humanists value the support of a therapeutic relationship to help center their clients as they strive for self-actualization, a concept based on autonomy, free will, and creativity. Importantly, Humanistic Music Therapists believe in treating their clients with Unconditional Positive Regard, the idea that every human being holds value and deserves respect and empathy.
The reason I love Humanism and highly value it in my work is because of the goal to treat each person as the best expert of themselves. Even clients often labeled as ‘difficult’ or ‘challenging,’ when met with the empathic intention to understand behavior as communicating something, can teach us so much about themselves and what is important to them. Information that can then be used to help support their journey in growing (such as with children) or maintaining ( as with older adults) their sense of self. There are many philosophical approaches to music therapy, some of which I may get into more later, but this one will always hold a special place in my work and compassion for my clients.
Id like to thank you for the efforts youve put in penning this site. I am hoping to check out the same high-grade content from you in the future as well. In fact, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own site now 😉