Psychological Influences III: The Humanistic Approach and Autonomy

A Perspective Focused on Human Potential

Within the range of psychological influences that nurture coaching, the humanistic approach occupies a prominent place.

This current offers a particular view of the human being, emphasizing his or her uniqueness, inherent potential for growth and capacity for self-determination.

Unlike other schools that might emphasize more the weight of the past or external conditioning, humanistic psychology stresses the active capacity of the individual to shape his or her own life.

Each person is seen as unique and different, and the focus is on how each individual can improve and grow personally.

Liberation from the Past and Conscious Choice

A fundamental presupposition of the humanistic approach is the perception that the person is capable of detaching from his or her past and the notion of a predetermined destiny.

It is postulated that human beings have the intrinsic capacity to choose with absolute consciousness our actions in the present moment in which we find ourselves.

This capacity for choice, present practically from birth, confers on us the responsibility for our own future.

We are not mere passive products of our previous circumstances, but active agents with the freedom to redefine ourselves and take new directions at any moment.

Autonomy as the Essence of Coaching

Humanist theories firmly defend that human beings are capable of achieving the goals they set for themselves. The key to this lies in the fact that he/she will make his/her own decisions.

This belief in the individual's ability to be self-directed toward his or her goals is the core essence of coaching.

Coaching operates on the fundamental premise that the coachee possesses the necessary internal resources and the ability to determine his or her own path.

It recognizes the human being as an intentional being, with purpose and goals that drive him or her to action, aligning perfectly with the coaching approach to goal setting and goal attainment.

Implications for Coaching Practice

This humanistic perspective has direct implications for the coach-coachee relationship and the coaching methodology.

The coach, from this approach, sees the client as a complete, creative and resourceful individual, capable of finding his or her own solutions.

The process does not seek to "fix" the client or tell him/her what to do, but rather to facilitate his/her self-discovery and enhance his/her innate capacity to make autonomous and responsible decisions.

Self-exploration, awareness and taking responsibility for one's own choices and actions are encouraged.

The ultimate goal is for the coachee to take ownership of his or her process and become the main agent of his or her own transformation and achievement of goals.

Summary

The humanistic approach emphasizes the uniqueness of the human being, his or her inherent potential for growth and self-determination. The person is seen as the active agent of his or her life.

A fundamental assumption is that the person is capable of detaching from his or her past and predetermined destiny. We have the capacity to consciously choose our actions in the present, assuming responsibility.

Humanistic theories believe that human beings are capable of achieving their goals by making their own decisions. This belief in autonomy constitutes the core essence of the practice of coaching.