Humanistic Therapy

Addiction can feel like a label, but it’s really just one part of your story. Behind it is a person – you – with your thoughts, feelings and strengths. This is why terms like addict are so harmful – they suggest that addiction is something you are rather than something you have. At Liberty House, humanistic therapy focuses on helping you reconnect with your true self, which is often hidden beneath the lies and deceit of addiction. Humanistic therapy helps you remember who you are, find your motivation and use it to power your way through rehab treatment and beyond.

What do we mean by humanistic therapy?

Humanistic therapy is a type of talk therapy where the focus is on you as a whole person rather than what’s “wrong” with you. It is based on the idea that everyone has the power to grow and change, even when that change feels impossible. In humanistic therapy, you’re in the driver’s seat with a big emphasis on addiction recovery being your choice and your responsibility.
In humanistic therapy, you get a chance to talk through your thoughts and feelings in a space where you won’t feel judged or pressured. This will help you explore what’s really going on inside and make sense of your experiences. The aim is to help you better understand yourself, recognise your strengths and figure out your way to heal.

What principles is humanistic therapy based upon?

There are three main guiding principles which shape humanistic therapy programmes:

1. A holistic approach

Sometimes, addiction can feel like it’s taken over every part of you. Humanistic therapy helps you step back and see the bigger picture. It doesn’t just focus on your struggles – it looks at all the parts that make you who you are. It’s about finding a balance between your thoughts, your feelings and the things that make life worth living to you.

2. A client-centred approach

In humanistic therapy, you are encouraged and empowered. Your therapist is there to listen, not tell you what to do or to have an opinion on your past. They will help you talk through your feelings and figure out what’s most important to you so you can use it for motivation.

3. Self-actualisation

Addiction can make you forget who you are, but humanistic therapy can help you push the mental fog aside. Rather than giving you new skills, humanistic therapy unlocks the potential already deep inside you. This can provide a massive self-esteem boost, which is important because addiction can strip away all your confidence.

Key ways to engage in humanistic therapy

There are several key ways to engage in humanistic therapy. Some of the main approaches that might work for you include:

Person-centred therapy

During person-centred therapy, your therapist listens carefully and guides you to find your solutions. Bit by bit, you will start to untangle your thoughts and make sense of things in your way. Humanistic therapy for drug addiction and alcoholism must take a person-centred approach because it is ultimately you who is accountable for your recovery.

Gestalt therapy

Gestalt therapy is all about tuning in to the here and now so you are fully aware of what is really going on inside and around you. Focusing on the present moment can stop your mind from racing and help you control your reactions. This is an important aspect of humanistic therapy for substance abuse recovery because it can prevent life’s ups and downs from triggering a relapse.

Existential therapy

Existential therapy is all about the big questions on your mind, like why you’re here or what all this means. It helps you dive into those deeper thoughts about life, purpose and choices, such as why you want to leave addiction behind. This may be to stop the harm being caused to your family, to improve your health or even because you know your life is in danger. Identifying these reasons can give you extra motivation during the difficult moments that will arise at some point during rehab and beyond.

Mindfulness-based therapy

Mindfulness-based therapy is like a mental reset button. It teaches you to slow down and focus on the moment you’re in. You will learn to notice your thoughts and feelings without letting them take over. This is a great way to handle stress better and find inner peace even when the world is anything but peaceful.

How humanistic therapy can help your recovery

There are numerous short-term and long-term benefits of humanistic therapy for addiction, which is why Liberty House has made it one of our key rehab therapies.

Self-actualisation means discovering what you’re capable of, even when things feel tough or when your confidence may have taken a knock. This then gives you the confidence to open up and have honest conversations with your counsellors.

Mindfulness-based therapy is one of the most effective forms of humanistic therapy for managing cravings in addiction recovery. When cravings hit, it can feel like they’re taking over your whole brain. Mindfulness helps you slow things down so you learn to notice cravings without reacting until they have passed.

Addiction can make you believe things that just aren’t true, such as nobody cares about you or that your future is hopeless. An existential approach in humanistic therapy helps you push back against those thoughts and ask yourself what kind of life you want to build. Finding meaning and purpose can be a huge step forward, giving you clear and achievable goals to work toward.

Why it is worth continuing humanistic therapy after treatment

Humanistic therapy doesn’t stop being helpful once rehab ends, and it can be a toolbox you carry with you into everyday life. The things you learn, like understanding yourself better, accepting who you are and finding your inner strengths, can guide you through all kinds of situations.

You can use skills from humanistic therapy for managing cravings in addiction recovery, preventing relapse and staying true on the path to lifelong sobriety. Regularly checking in with your therapists can help you spot the small victories you may have missed and build on them. This can give you renewed optimism even when doubts creep in so you can approach each day positively.

Harness the strength inside with humanistic therapy

At Liberty House, we see recovery as more than just leaving addiction behind, it means building a life that feels right for you. Humanistic therapy helps you understand what truly matters to you so you can make choices that align with your values and goals. It is about healing, yes, but also about finding your way forward. Contact us today, and we will help you take the reins in your recovery.

Disclaimer:

The availability of therapies may vary across UKAT centres. The specific therapies provided will be determined based on your treatment plan and the programme offered at your chosen facility. All treatments are subject to clinical assessment and programme availability at the time of admission. For further details on the therapies included in your treatment plan, please contact our admissions team.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role does the concept of “self-actualisation” play in humanistic therapy for addiction?

Self-actualisation is all about becoming the best version of yourself. This is a crucial part of humanistic therapy for substance abuse recovery. Addiction often takes away your confidence and sense of purpose, leaving you feeling stuck. Humanistic therapy helps you uncover your strengths, determine what truly matters to you and set meaningful goals. It is about moving beyond survival and creating a fulfilling life worth recovering for.

How does humanistic therapy incorporate the client’s subjective experience in addiction recovery?

In humanistic therapy, you are the expert on your life. Your therapist will focus on understanding how you see the world, including your thoughts, feelings and unique experiences. This allows humanistic therapy for addiction to be shaped around what matters most to you rather than a universal plan for everyone. By exploring your perspective, your therapist can help you find solutions that suit your needs and empower you to take charge of your recovery journey.

What is the role of personal responsibility in humanistic therapy for addiction treatment?

Humanistic therapy encourages you to take ownership of your choices, which is a big step in recovery. Addiction often leaves you feeling powerless, but humanistic therapy for addiction reminds you that you can change. This is not about blaming yourself for past mistakes but rather recognising your power to make healthier decisions in the future. This will give you the control and confidence you need to be the boss of your own recovery.