About AHC
The Association for Humanistic Counseling (AHC) is one of the four founding divisions of the American Counseling Association. AHC is an organization of counseling professionals who work in a variety of settings whose bond is a philosophy rather than a work setting, and who use their skills and expertise to empower, advocate, and make a difference.
Humanistic counselors help clients enhance their self-awareness so they can be authentic and live up to their human potential.
Humanistic counselors believe that:
All people have value and worth and should be honored and respected
Effective counseling is founded on a strong relationship and sense of connection, and empathy is central to the development of this relationship
People cannot not grow; they are always moving towards growth and change
A holistic approach is more effective than a reductionistic approach
Creativity is a powerful force and can promote growth and change
A sense of purpose, mattering, and meaning is foundational to good mental health
Counselors must understand and value individuals’ subjective experiences
Clients have a right to direct their counseling experience
What Makes Us Humanistic Counselors?
Humanistic counselors recognize and respect the ability of human beings to employ reason, science, intuition, and creativity as tools for self-discovery and the achievement of personal goals. Humanistic counselors acknowledge the responsibility of human beings to create their own destiny, and believe that within themselves, people have the answers to improve their lives and the quality of life of all human beings.