PSY 668: Counseling & Psychotherapy

Assignment #3

Humanistic Psychotherapy Simulation (Script)

Presented by:
Bechaida, Marife D.
Bognot, Camille

Therapist: [Warmly] Welcome, [Client's Name]. I’m glad you’re here today. How are you feeling?

Client: [Sighs] I’m okay, I guess. Lately, I’ve been thinking about how I struggle to connect with people. No matter
how much I analyze it, I can’t seem to convince myself that relationships are worth the pain. It’s like... I feel doomed
to fail.

T: It sounds like you’ve been carrying a lot of heavy thoughts. Can you tell me more about what’s been on your
mind?

C: I’ve always done well in school and at work. I’m assertive when I need to be, and I know I’m intelligent. But
when it comes to relationships, it’s different. I grew up watching my parents argue over the smallest things. It made
me tired of believing that relationships could be worth all that pain. And... deep down, I feel like I’m flawed, like
there’s something wrong with me. I worry that if someone got close enough, they’d see those flaws and eventually
leave.

T: I hear you. It sounds like the conflict between your parents left a lasting impact on how you view relationships.
That’s a difficult experience to carry with you. And now, it seems like those experiences have led you to believe that
your own flaws might drive others away. How does that feel to you?

C: [Pauses] It feels... exhausting. I put so much energy into being the best I can in every area of my life, but when it
comes to relationships, I just don’t see the point. I feel like I’m always waiting for the other shoe to drop, for
someone to see how flawed I really am and walk away.

T: That sounds like a lot of pressure, feeling like you have to be perfect to keep someone from leaving. And I can
see how, after watching your parents’ relationship, you might question whether relationships are worth that pain.
How do you think these experiences have shaped the way you see yourself and your relationships?

C: I think I’ve learned to protect myself by not getting too close to anyone. But I am to admit, it’s lonely at times.
I’m tired of feeling like I’m just waiting for people to get tired of me. Intellectually, I know relationships are
supposed to be different, but emotionally, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m not worth the effort.
T: It’s understandable that you would feel this way, given what you’ve experienced. The fear of being seen and then
rejected is very real for you. I wonder, what do you think would happen if you allowed someone to see those parts of
yourself that you feel are flawed?

C: [Quietly] I’m scared they’d see me for who I really am and decide I’m not worth it. That they’d leave, just like
I’ve seen in so many arguments and breakups.

T: That fear is real, and it’s okay to feel it. But I’m also hearing that there’s a part of you that wants to believe that
relationships can be different, that maybe they don’t have to be so painful. How does it feel to think about the
possibility of a different kind of relationship—one where you’re accepted, flaws and all?

C: [Hesitant] It’s hard to imagine, honestly. I’ve built up these walls for so long. But... I guess if I could find that, it
would be worth it. It’s just hard to believe it’s possible.

T: It’s completely understandable that it’s hard to believe, especially given your experiences. But what if we started
by exploring these walls you’ve built, and how they’ve helped you in some ways but might also be keeping you
from the connection you’re longing for?

C: [Nods slightly] I think that makes sense. I’m just not sure how to let those walls down, even a little.

T: We can take it one step at a time, exploring at your pace. You don’t have to do it all at once. Just showing up as
you are, here and now, is already a big step. How does that sound?

C: [A small smile] It sounds... like it could be the start of something different. Maybe it’s time to try.

T: I’m here with you every step of the way. We can work together to help you start seeing the value in who you are,
not just in what you achieve. You don’t have to go through this alone. How does that feel to you?

C: [Thoughtfully] It feels... hopeful, and maybe a little scary. But I think I’m ready to try.

T: That hope is important, and so is acknowledging the fear. We’ll take this journey together, at your pace. You are
more than your achievements, and you deserve to feel that in your relationships too.

Narrator: In this session, we observed how the therapist applied humanistic psychotherapy to help the client
navigate her relationship struggles. The therapist created a safe and empathetic space, allowing the client to explore
her fears rooted in past experiences. By fostering self-awareness and encouraging the client to consider the
possibility of healthier connections, the therapist guided her toward a path of self-acceptance and personal growth.
This session marks the beginning of the client's journey to overcoming her negative self-view and building
meaningful relationships.
Note: The script effectively aligns with the principles of humanistic therapy by creating a supportive, empathetic,
and non-judgmental environment where the client feels safe to explore their feelings and beliefs. The therapist
consistently validates the client’s experiences, encourages self-exploration, and focuses on the client’s potential for
growth and self-acceptance.

Background:

Principles of Humanistic Therapy

Some of the most central ideas of humanistic therapy are:

Freedom: Humanism allows individuals to be just who they are, and allows them to have and explore their own
beliefs, values, and identity. Therapists are there to guide clients in their journey toward their center, asking
clarifying questions and listening to their client’s answers. It gives clients the space to explore themselves and let the
internal roadmap they discover lead them to what they seek.

Self-discovery: Clients need to be willing to be introspective — to look inward. Humanism works on the
assumption that each person already knows what’s wrong, so the only way to find answers and achieve growth is to
self-reflect, examining their past and who they are now. Willingness to accept oneself and be open to whatever is
found (and acceptance from the therapist) is an important part of making the journey of self-discovery healthy and
effective.

Potential: Humanism helps people realize their potential by using a framework of selfhood. The rules and
assumptions are solely based on the qualities, personality, and experiences. This approach allows individuals to feel
seen, understood, and accepted, which is an excellent catalyst for change and growth.

Humanistic therapy assumes that you are innately who you are and that you know you best — the job of a therapist
is simply to help you discover it and cultivate a compassionate relationship with yourself. With help from an
experienced mental health professional, you will be able to decipher the secrets within yourself and break free of
whatever is holding you back from your potential.

What Is the Most Common Technique Used in Humanistic Therapy?

One of the most common techniques used by humanistic therapists is active listening. It’s a way of leading and
guiding the conversation by reiterating what the other person has said, asking follow-up questions, and overall
showing that you are listening carefully and understanding what they are saying.

Oftentimes, when the client makes a statement about themselves, a therapist practicing active listening might say
something like, “That makes sense, tell me more.” It’s important to note that, when a therapist is asking follow-up
questions or commenting on what the client says, they will avoid administering any kind of judgment. They will
instead offer acceptance, support, and encouragement through their active listening to help clients reach their own
conclusions and reach their goals.

Humanistic therapy is typically used to help individuals achieve personal growth, self-actualization, and a deeper
understanding of themselves. It is particularly effective for:

1. Self-Esteem Issues: Assisting individuals in developing a healthier sense of self-worth and self-respect.
2. Depression and Anxiety: Helping people to understand and manage their emotions and find personal
meaning in their experiences.
3. Relationship Issues: Supporting people in improving their interpersonal relationships by fostering better
communication and empathy.
4. Life Transitions: Aiding individuals in navigating significant life changes, such as career shifts, loss, or
personal crises.
5. Identity and Self-Understanding: Assisting clients in exploring their identity, values, and purpose, which
is particularly helpful for those experiencing existential or identity crises.
6. Trauma and Grief: Helping individuals process and heal from traumatic experiences and grief by
emphasizing their inherent worth and potential for growth.

Humanistic therapy emphasizes the individual's capacity for self-direction and the belief that people are inherently
good and capable of personal growth.

Key Aspects of Humanistic Therapy:

1. Empathy and Unconditional Positive Regard: The therapist provides a non-judgmental, accepting, and
empathetic environment, validating the client’s feelings and experiences.
2. Focus on the Present: The therapist helps the client explore their current feelings and thoughts rather than
focusing solely on past events.
3. Client-Centered Approach: The therapist follows the client’s lead, allowing them to guide the session and
explore what feels most relevant to them.
4. Encouraging Self-Exploration: The therapist encourages the client to explore their emotions, thoughts,
and beliefs, promoting self-awareness and self-acceptance.
5. Empowerment and Personal Growth: The therapist supports the client in recognizing their potential for
growth and change, fostering a sense of agency and self-worth.

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