Scenario one
Sandra has been affected by the violence witnessed at school and is exhibiting signs of anxiety. The shooting incident appears to have left a lasting effect on her mind which she is unable to overcome, and lives in constant fear of a recurrence. According to research, humanistic approach has a positive effect on anxiety sufferers (Aanstoos, Serlin & Greening, 2000). The humanistic approach focuses on building the whole person to reach their self-actualization and making them realize their own potential to realize their goal. This approach is the best to use to make Sandra realize that she can overcome her fear and live her life normally as before. This approach is commendable in its long-term application and opportunities for generalization, should the student achieve their goal. That is, should they successfully master their inner ability to control their fear and overcome their anxiety; they will manage to use this technique in other areas of life to gain control and even to manage other forms of fear or future recurrence of the same.
The overall counseling goal for the student is to help them realize that there is no real danger existent in the environment and that the fear is just stemmed from their past experience and that if they gain control of their mindset, they can be comfortable in the school environment. Positive regard will be applied by showing acceptance, understanding and non-judgmental attitude towards the child. The development consideration is on the child’s age. She is only 9 therefore conversation and therapy should be simple, age-appropriate and with parental consent.
One weakness of the humanistic theory that is evident in this scenario is its vagueness in its conceptualization of the mind (Rowan, 2011). The treatment approach may appear vague for a 9 year old girl to comprehend and actualize. At that age, the humanistic approach does not present a less abstract view of the child’s mind and does not offer more practical solutions.
References
Aanstoos, C. Serlin, I., & Greening, T. (2000). History of Division 32 (Humanistic Psychology) of the American Psychological Association. In D. Dewsbury (Ed.), Unification through Division: Histories of the divisions of the American Psychological Association, Vol. V. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Rowan, John (2001) Ordinary ecstasy: the dialectics of humanistic psychology. Hove: Brunner Routledge
