Understanding Humanistic Counselling

Humanistic counselling emerged in the mid-20th century as a warm alternative to purely medical or psychoanalytic models. Pioneers such as Carl Rogers and Rollo May placed empathy, authenticity and the innate drive toward growth at the heart of therapy. Instead of focusing on pathology, humanistic work invites you to explore feelings, choices, and meaning in the present moment. Rogers called this the process of becoming a “fully functioning person.”

This approach suits people who want a collaborative relationship with their therapist and who value personal agency. It is gentle yet profound—offering a space where, as Irvin Yalom writes, “the problem is to meet.”

Exploring Transpersonal Counselling

While humanistic counselling honours our capacity for growth, transpersonal counselling goes a step further, acknowledging our spiritual dimension. Inspired by Roberto Assagioli the founder of Psychosynthesis, C.G. Jung and other depth psychologists, it views the psyche as more than mind and body. Meditation, dreamwork, guided imagery and creative expression invite you to connect with what Jung called the Self—the organising principle of the whole being.

“The privilege of a lifetime is to become who you truly are.” — C.G. Jung

Clients often turn to transpersonal counselling when they are searching for purpose, undergoing spiritual awakening, or seeking to integrate profound life experiences. It is particularly resonant for those who sense that healing must embrace both psychological and spiritual realities. Acknowledging that we are more than our bodies, our feelings, or mind can be hugely liberating, freeing us from limited perceptions of who we are as a self. It speaks to hidden potential, purpose, or what we may become or yearn to be. Indeed, calling through our immediate, and even most painful symptoms, may be the voice of Self, seeking wider, more authentic or congruent expression. There is opportunity to live more fully, alive and whole.

The Integrative Approach: Bridging Modalities

An integrative counsellor draws from multiple traditions—humanistic, psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, somatic, and more—tailoring therapy to the individual. Rather than one fixed method, integrative work allows the relationship, your goals, and your unfolding process to guide the techniques.

As Gabor Maté reminds us, “The attempt to escape from pain creates more pain.” Integration acknowledges that pain manifests in mind, body, and spirit, and therefore healing may need many tools.

Existentially, trauma exists too within a context of intersectional and intergenerational impacts upon us as individuals. To appreciate this, means too that we are not guilty or shameful integrally for what is not ours – a huge relief for many this becomes, when the burden carried sometimes for a lifetime, may be set down in its rightful place, or to it’s rightful owner. Such compassion is the foundation of the work I do, meaningfully apporaching what troubles individuals, through non-judgement, deep respect for the individual and a committment to honouring the ‘Self’ in front of me.

Finding a Therapy Modality That Fits

How do you actually find a therapy modality that fits you? Here are some guiding reflections:

• Your goals: Do you seek symptom relief, personal growth, spiritual insight, or a blend?
• Relationship style: Do you prefer structured sessions or open-ended dialogue?
• Evidence & insurance: Some healthcare systems favour measurable outcomes like those in CBT or EMDR.
• Cultural & spiritual needs: Does a therapy honour your beliefs and values?

Many clients ultimately choose a therapist whose presence feels safe and whose approach can evolve with them, rather than a single school of thought.

Medical and Measurable Approaches—Their Place and Limits

Evidence-based treatments such as CBT, DBT, EMDR and other clinical psychology protocols are effective for specific symptoms and are often required for insurance coverage. Yet they can feel narrowly focused on behaviour and measurement. When deeper meaning, creativity, or spirituality call for attention, clients often explore humanistic counselling, transpersonal counselling, or an integrative path as a complement or next step.

My Approach at Alex Golding Therapy

I bring more than 30 years of Buddhist practice and leadership, a professional creative-arts background, and extensive experience supporting men, communities and young people. My work is integrative and relational, blending humanistic counselling, transpersonal counselling, and the rich framework of Psychosynthesis. Sessions are available in London Farringdon and online, combining compassion with depth to help you realise potential and overcome limitations.

“Inner transformation is the greatest revolution.” — Daisaku Ikeda

Living Soul-Aligned in a Left-Brain World

Iain McGilchrist, in The Master and His Emissary, warns of a culture dominated by left-brain analysis—efficient but disconnected from intuition and meaning. Humanistic and transpersonal therapies rebalance this, inviting imagination, embodiment, and what Thomas Moore calls the “care of the soul.”

FAQ — Quick Answers

What is the main difference between Humanistic and Transpersonal Counselling?

Humanistic counselling focuses on personal growth and self-actualisation, while transpersonal counselling includes spiritual exploration and experiences that transcend the individual ego.

How do I find a therapy modality that truly fits me?

Reflect on your goals, cultural or spiritual needs, and the kind of therapeutic relationship you want. Many people meet with one or two therapists for an initial consultation before deciding. An integrative therapist can adapt multiple approaches to suit you.

Suggested Reading

• On Becoming a Person — Carl Rogers
• The Gift of Therapy — Irvin D. Yalom
• Psychosynthesis — Roberto Assagioli
• The Master and His Emissary — Iain McGilchrist
• Care of the Soul — Thomas Moore

Related Articles on My Blog & Resources

• Healing the Primal Wound
• Love, Loss & the Art of Intimacy: A Soulful Reflection on Relationship Counselling
• Psychosynthesis Therapy for Life Transitions

Begin Your Journey

If you are seeking humanistic counselling, curious about transpersonal counselling, or trying to find a therapy modality that fits, I welcome you to begin. Whether your goal is trauma healing, creative awakening, or simply the courage to live more fully, I invite you to reach out & let’s connect. I offer compassionate, integrative sessions in London (Farringdon) and online.

Book a Consultation in London or Online

“The purpose of therapy is not to eliminate suffering but to give a voice to it, to find a form in which it can be expressed.” — James Hillman