In which approach does the counselor actively engage the counselee in shaping their own decisions?

The humanistic approach is centered on the belief that individuals have the inherent capacity for self-determination and personal growth. In this framework, the counselor plays a supportive role, facilitating an environment where the counselee feels safe and empowered to explore their feelings, thoughts, and choices. This active engagement allows the counselee to take ownership of their decisions and develop a deeper understanding of themselves.

Humanistic counseling emphasizes the unique experiences of the individual and encourages self-exploration, which fosters self-awareness and self-acceptance. Techniques such as active listening, empathy, and unconditional positive regard help in strengthening the counselee's confidence in making decisions. This contrasts with other approaches, such as psychoanalytic, which may focus more on unconscious processes and interpretations, or behavioral, which often emphasizes changing specific behaviors rather than fostering personal decision-making autonomy. In this way, the humanistic approach distinctly prioritizes the counselee's active role in the decision-making process, making it a unique and effective method for personal development.