Being Well with Forrest Hanson and Dr. Rick Hanson

What if You Aren’t Broken? Carl Rodgers and Humanistic Psychology

Sep 29, 2025

Dive into the world of humanistic psychology, a movement that champions the inherent goodness of people. Explore Carl Rogers' groundbreaking ideas on self-actualization, unconditional positive regard, and the importance of authenticity in therapy. The discussion also highlights the historical context of humanism and its influence on modern therapeutic practices. With practical takeaways, listeners are encouraged to embrace self-acceptance and agency, fostering personal growth and deeper connections.

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INSIGHT

Human Nature As Fundamentally Growth-Oriented

Humanistic psychology sees human nature as fundamentally good and growth-oriented.
It arose mid-20th century as a hopeful counterpoint to Freud and behaviorism.

insights

INSIGHT

Five Core Principles Of Humanism

Core humanistic principles include inherent goodness, wholism, self-actualization, agency, and subjective experience.
Rogers emphasized returning to one’s own experience as the highest authority for truth.

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ANECDOTE

Rogers' Jaw-Dropping Group Presence

Carl Rogers listened to each person and then mirrored back deep meanings with exact recall around a table.
The group experienced jaw-dropping presence from his detailed, empathetic reflections.

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Humanism as a Response to Psychoanalysis and Behaviorism

02:08 • 9min

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Core Principles of Humanistic Psychology

10:58 • 10min

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What Humanistic Therapy Looks Like in Practice

Rogers’ Growth-Promoting Climate: Genuineness, Regard, Empathy

26:12 • 7min

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Congruence, Conditions of Worth, and Authenticity

33:22 • 8min

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Historical Context and Political Implications

Humanism’s Influence on Modern Therapy

50:41 • 6min

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Common Critiques and Limits of Humanistic Approaches

56:39 • 6min

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Practical Takeaways: Self-Acceptance and Agency

Client-Centered Therapy

Carl Rogers

The Carl Rogers Reader

Carl Rogers

The Carl Rogers Reader provides a comprehensive overview of Carl Rogers' influential work in humanistic psychology and person-centered therapy. This collection includes key excerpts from his major writings, showcasing his theories on empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence. Readers gain insights into Rogers' approach to facilitating personal growth and self-discovery. The book explores the therapeutic relationship, the importance of subjective experience, and the process of self-actualization. It serves as an essential resource for students, therapists, and anyone interested in understanding Rogers' profound impact on the field of psychology.

• Mentioned in 478 episodes

Man's Search for Meaning

Viktor Frankl

The book is divided into two parts. The first part recounts Frankl's harrowing experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps, including Auschwitz, between 1942 and 1945. He describes the inhumane conditions and the psychological and emotional struggles of the prisoners. The second part introduces Frankl's theory of logotherapy, which posits that the primary human drive is the search for meaning, rather than pleasure. Frankl argues that meaning can be found through three main avenues: work (doing something significant), love (caring for another), and suffering (finding meaning in one's own suffering). The book emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and meaning in life, even in the most adverse conditions, as a key factor in survival and personal growth.

#12253

• Mentioned in 3 episodes

toward a Psychology of Being

Abraham Maslow

In 'Toward a Psychology of Being', Abraham Maslow delves into human potential and self-actualization, advocating for a holistic approach to psychology that emphasizes growth and fulfillment. The book critiques traditional psychology's focus on pathology and instead explores the traits of healthy, self-actualizing individuals. Maslow's work has significantly influenced modern psychology and personal development.

#2570

• Mentioned in 12 episodes

On Becoming a Person

A Therapist's View of Psychotherapy

Carl Rogers

In this book, Carl Rogers presents his theory of psychotherapy, focusing on client-centered therapy. He argues that the therapeutic relationship is crucial for personal growth and healing. Rogers emphasizes the importance of unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness in the therapeutic process. The book explores how individuals can become fully functioning by accepting their feelings, thoughts, and emotions, and by living in the present moment. It also discusses the concept of 'becoming a person' as a continuous process of self-discovery and growth.

#38528

MAN'S SEARCH FOR HIMSELF

rollo may

In 'Man's Search for Himself', Rollo May examines the problems facing modern Western society through the lens of existential and humanistic psychology. The book delves into the complaints of loneliness, boredom, and emptiness that May encountered in his patients, and he probes the hidden layers of personality to reveal the core of human integration—a basic and inborn sense of value. May draws on a wide range of sources, including Greek myths, contemporary literature, philosophical works, and case analyses, to provide a comprehensive understanding of modern human struggles. The book is divided into sections that explore the predicament of modern man, the process of rediscovering selfhood, and the goals of personal integration, emphasizing the importance of freedom, inner strength, and creative conscience.

Dr. Rick and Forrest explore humanistic psychology, the mid-20th century movement that redefined how therapists relate to clients. It challenged the pessimism of Freud and the mechanism of behaviorism, offering a more hopeful alternative: that our nature is fundamentally good, and our job is to let it shine through. They discuss Carl Rodgers’ work, including self-actualization, conditions of worth, unconditional positive regard, trusting your experience, and the central role of the therapeutic alliance. Throughout, they focus on what you can take from these ideas into your life.

Key Topics:

00:00: Intro

03:40: Humanism as a response to psychoanalysis

09:53: Humanism’s core principles: inherent goodness, wholism, self-actualization, agency, and subjective experience

21:35: What does humanistic therapy actually look like?

32:46: Congruence, conditions of worth, and authenticity

40:54: History and context: post-WWII and the civil rights movement

56:09: Critiques of humanism

1:02:40: Lessons we can all take from humanistic psychology

1:13:41: Recap

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