Man standing in river watching waterfall, hands up in victorySelf-actualization is often defined as a state or process in which an individual reaches a state of transcendence and fully realizes their true self. A therapist or counselor may help people explore what self-actualization looks like for them. 

Self-Actualization in Person-Centered Therapy

The association of person-centered therapy with the human potential movement helped to define human nature as inherently good, suggesting that a drive to achieve one's full potential motivates human behavior. This demonstrated a change in ideas from those of people like Sigmund Freud, who suggested that humans were motivated by sexual desires and aggression. 

In person-centered therapy, the therapist and the person in therapy form a personal relationship as equals, and the person in therapy chooses the direction in which therapy sessions unfold. People who feel negatively about themselves or who have unrealistic expectations about life may find achieving self-actualization to be difficult, but resolving this self-concept and other negative thoughts in therapy can often help individuals move toward self-actualization, which focuses on individual strengths rather than individual failings.

How to Achieve Self-Actualization

There is no single way to become self-actualized. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs suggests that in order to reach a state of self-actualization, many other basic needs must be met in order for a person to become self-actualized. Current research suggests that self-actualization may be more complex than this, and even Maslow may not have conceptualized his “hierarchy” in a top-to-bottom, pyramidical order as is popular to do in current times. 

Individuals who wish for more self-actualization in their lives may find one or more of the following strategies helps:

  • Focus on the present. Making a conscious effort to take in your current surroundings, thoughts, and emotions rather than becoming stuck in the past or future may contribute to spontaneity and a greater sense of peace.
  • Live outside of yourself. While knowing yourself is one key to self-actualization, so is the ability to focus beyond yourself. Focusing on empathy and compassion for others and finding something to be grateful for every day are a couple ways to start.
  • Practice introspection. Be aware of what you’re thinking and feeling, and consider the “whys” behind your thoughts and emotions. Increased knowledge of yourself and your personal motivations may lead to greater capacity for self-acceptance.
  • Be fiercely authentic. When you are in tune with your own needs, capabilities, and quirks, embrace them. Asking yourself why you’re making a certain decision may help you discern whether you are living life for yourself or someone else.
  • Pursue what brings you joy. Identify your strengths, dreams, and anything you are passionate about. Find more ways to incorporate what makes you feel fulfilled into your life.
  • Consider therapy. While striving to grow as an individual or become self-actualized, it can be common to encounter roadblocks and areas of difficulty. A therapist may help you gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your personal motivations. 

Practicing these strategies may be like developing a habit; it can take time and consistent effort in order to establish a new thought pattern. In addition to helping you become more in tune with who you are, a therapist can help you stay accountable to yourself as you move closer to reconnecting with your true self.

Self-Actualization in Therapy: Case Example

Discussing self-actualization in therapy: Yosef, 38, enters therapy due to feelings of frustration, dissatisfaction, and general unhappiness. He tells the therapist that he finds himself unfulfilled in his job as a computer programmer. He does his job well and makes good money but finds himself dreading going to work because he is so often bored. This boredom has spread to other areas of his life, he tells the therapist, explaining that he feels difficulty becoming excited about anything in life, and that his melancholy is affecting his relationship with his live-in girlfriend. He recognizes his growing disinterest in his job but feels it is too late for him to embark on another career and says that he does not even know what career he might be interested in. The therapist explores with Yosef the possible benefits and drawbacks of his switching careers and refers him to a career counselor, where he decides to take an aptitude test to see other fields he might possibly enter. Yosef’s aptitude test indicates that he might enjoy a career where he can spend more time with people, and he decides to pursue a degree at his local community college in human resource management. Once Yosef has made his decision, he feels much more engaged in his daily activities. He reports to the therapist that he is able to be more empathic and understanding of his girlfriend’s needs and desires and that he has regained his interest and excitement in daily life.

Reference:

Person-centered therapy. (n.d.). Encyclopedia of Mental Disorders. Retrieved from http://www.minddisorders.com/Ob-Ps/Person-centered-therapy.html