Course syllabus
Course title
Introduction to Humanistic Psychology
Instructor’s name
Marta I. Porębiak,
Porębiak PhD
Contact details
[email protected]
Affiliation
Private Practice, Psychological & Psychiatric Centre 'Pro Psyche'
Course format
Elective seminar for 1-3 year students
Number of hours
30
Number of ECTS credits 3 ECTS
Brief course description This seminar is aimed at giving a comprehensive understanding of classic
concepts within humanistic approach, their origins and current directions,
strengths and weaknesses, implication in therapy models.
Full course description
Humanistic approach is the third force in psychology, next to
psychodynamic psychology and behaviorism, since 1950s. During this
seminar theoretical knowledge regarding phenomenological
phenomenologica and
existential thinking will be accompanied by practical exercises, integrated
with self-reflection.
self reflection. Motivational theory, models of human growth and
conditions of psychopathology development are discussed using
Maslow’s, Roger’s, Berne’s, Frankl’s and Yalom’s
Yalom’s explanations. Theory
presentation is followed by basic examples of its implementation in
therapy sessions in Person Centered Model, Logotherapy and Existential
Integrative Model.
Learning outcomes
After completing this course students should be able
able to characterize main
assumptions and classic concepts of humanistic approach, including
phenomenological and existential thinking. Students should be able to
characterize and evaluate methods of humanistic assessment. They are
expected to evaluate theories
theories and their implementation models in terms
of strengths and limitations, including ethical dilemmas and
controversies.
Learning activities
and teaching methods
The seminar includes a variety of active learning methods and requires
participants’ interest in the topic and openness to actively participate in
class exercises,
exercises dramas and group discussions. We will see some videos
and discuss some case studies.
List of topics/classes
1. Introduction to humanistic approach in psychology: origins of
humanistic approach
proach as a third force in psychology since 1950s,
key figures and classic theories.
2. Key concepts and methods in humanistic psychology: organismic
valuing primate, human nature and development conditions,
methods of humanistic assessment based on qualitative
qualitat studies,
case studies and self-reports.
reports. Their strengths and weaknesses.
3. Theory of self-actualization in the life span:: Maslow’s selfself
actualization concept, basic needs and self-actualization
actualization needs,
their characteristics and dynamics.
Maslow, A. H. (1943).
43). A Theory of Human Motivation.
Psychological Review, 50 (4), 370–396
396, p. 370-386.
4. Humanistic theory of human motivation:: prepotency model and
motivation process according to Maslow, exceptions in
prepotency model, examples of decision dilemmas and
motivation assessment.
Maslow, A. H. (1943). A Theory of Human Motivation.
Psychological Review, 50 (4), 370–396
396, p. 386-396.
5. Conditions of human growth versus pathology development
according to Rogerian model:: role of unconditional positive
regard, empathy and genuiness in self-development,
development, conditions
of neurosis and psychosis development.
Rogers, C. R. (1980). A way of being, p. 137-164
164. New York:
Mariner Books.
6. Person Centered Approach: example of implementation of
Rogerian concepts in therapy setting,
ting, encounter groups as an
example of person oriented group experience.
Rogers, C. R. (1980). A way of being, p. 113-137
137. New York:
Mariner Books.
7. Phenomenological approach to human nature in Transactional
Analysis: the three ego-states: Parent-Adult-C
Child, human need
for time structuring, levels of communication, strokes, rituals and
pastimes.
Solomon, C. (2003). Transactional Analysis Theory: the Basics.
Transactional Analysis Journal, 33, 15-22.
8. Games Theory: unconscious games in interpersonal exchange,
exch
typical games examples, recognizing types of transactions and life
positions.
Berne, E. (1996). Games people play: The basic handbook of
transactional analysis, p. 23-35, 69-73
73. New York:
Ballantine Books.
9. Introduction to existential approach in humanistic
anistic psychology:
psychology
role of self-experience
experience in Frankl’s theory, model of adaptation to
life threatening conditions, will to search for meaning and
existential frustration as healthy motivational mechanisms.
Frankl, V. (2006). Man's Search for Meaning,, p. 3-97.
3
Boston:
Beacon Press.
10. Implementation of existential thinking in logotherapy:
existential vacuum and mechanisms of noo-ge
genic neurosis, ways
of attributing meaning of life and finding ultimate meaning,
logotherapy techniques.
97
Boston:
Frankl, V. (2006). Man's Search for Meaning, p. 97-137.
Beacon Press.
11. Yalom’s reflections on existential process:: fellow travelers
concept, idea of creating a new therapy for each patient,
possibilities of teaching others empathy, role of self-disclosure
self
and here-and-now primate.
Yalom I. (2002). The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New
Generation of Therapists and Their Patients,
Patients p. 1-46.
New York: Harper Collins Publishers..
12. Ways of coping with existential life themes in the Integrative
Existential Model: dealing with death, meaning of life, freedom,
isolation, Yalom’s recommendations for future therapists,
working with dreams.
Yalom I. (2002). The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New
Generation of Therapists and Their Patients,
Patients p. 46-74.
New York: Harper Collins Publishers..
13. Current directions in humanistic approach:: brief overview of
novel paths – end of life models, meaning-centered
centered and dignity
therapy, post-modern ideas.
Chochinov, H. M., Hack, T., Kristjanson, L. J., McClement
McCle
S., &
Harlos, M. (2005). Dignity Therapy: A Novel
Psychotherapeutic Intervention for Patients Near the
End of Life. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 23(24), 55205525.
14. Crossroads and controversies – wrap up class before final test:
barriers in meaning attribution, self-actualization
actualization and empathy,
limits of humanistic approach and spiritual healing, ethical
dilemmas in humanistic therapies.
15. Final test (written, multiple choice)
Assessment methods
and criteria
(1) Group
roup drama presentation based on assigned literature – 30% of the
grade
grade;
(2) Test (written, multiple choice) – 70% of the grade;
(3) Extra points for additional small presentations and class active
participation (e.g. taking part in discussions, critical thinking, posing
questions) - additional points max. 15%.
Attendance rules
Obligatory attendance – max. 2 absences without excuse
Prerequisites
none
Academic honesty
Students must respect the principles of academic integrity. Cheating and
plagiarism (including copying work from other students,
students, internet or other
sources) are serious violations that are punishable and instructors are
required to report all cases to the administration.
Basket
Clinical Psychology
Remarks
none