Name: Sampada Pathak

S. No: A0403422429
Course Code: PSYC725
Course Name: Humanistic, Existential & Gestalt Approaches to psychotherapy.
Submitted to: Dr. Rajat Kanti Mitra
Due Date: 07/02/2024
Submitted on: 07/02/2024.

Statement 1: People have the capacity for self - awareness and choice.

Statement 1 Rating: 9/10

Our brains, especially a part called the prefrontal cortex, help us think about ourselves and
understand how we feel. This is the starting point for self-awareness. When we think about our
thoughts and feelings, even if we don't always get it right, we're getting to know ourselves better.
And in our everyday lives, the choices we make, big and small, show that we're aware of what we
want and what's happening around us. We pick things based on what we like and what we think will
happen next.

And there's a lot of evidence to show that we do have some say in what we choose. Studies have
shown that even in situations where things are controlled, people still make decisions. Our daily
lives are full of choices, from simple things like what to wear to bigger stuff like what job to take.
And even though there's a big debate about whether we really have free will, many belief systems
say we do, which supports the idea that we make choices.

But it's important to remember that it's not always that simple. How well we understand ourselves
can change depending on lots of things, like how we're feeling, what stage of life we're in, and
what's happening around us. And sometimes, our choices aren't totally free. We might be influenced
by things we're not even aware of, like biases we have or what other people expect from us.
Statement 2: Everyone has the potential to create healthy, meaningful relationships and lead
fuller lives

Statement 2 Rating: 6/10

On the one hand, humans are inherently social creatures with a deep-seated need for connection and
belonging. Neuroscience provides evidence of the positive impact strong social interactions have on
our well-being, highlighting the release of feel-good hormones and their link to improved mental
and physical health. Psychology research further reinforces this connection, demonstrating that
strong social bonds correlate with greater happiness, longevity, and even a boost to personal growth
through shared experiences and learning.

However, we must recognise that not everyone desires the same level of social interaction.
Introverts, for example, may find fulfilment and meaning in solitude and smaller circles of close
relationships. Additionally, external factors like poverty, trauma, social isolation, limited resources,
and discrimination can significantly hinder individuals' ability to build healthy relationships and
lead fulfilling lives. Furthermore, the very definition of a "meaningful" life varies greatly across
cultures, individuals, and life stages. What provides fulfilment for one person might not resonate
with another.

Therefore, while the potential for healthy relationships and fulfilling lives exists for everyone, we
should acknowledge the complexities involved. Attributing this potential equally to everyone risks
oversimplifying the challenges some individuals face due to circumstances beyond their control. A
more accurate approach would recognise the inherent potential while acknowledging the limitations
imposed by individual differences and external factors. By understanding these nuances, we can
foster a more realistic and inclusive perspective on achieving happiness and fulfilment

Statement 3: People should break free from limiting, disabling beliefs and assumptions to live
more fulfilling lives.

Statement 3 Rating: 7/10

On one side, there's strong proof that getting rid of limiting beliefs can change our lives. If we're
stuck in rigid ideas about ourselves, others, or the world, we might miss out on good things. By
challenging these beliefs, especially the ones based on wrong ideas or negativity, we can grow in
our personal and professional lives. Also, our biases, influenced by how we grew up and what we've
been through, can mess up our thinking and lead to bad choices. Recognising and dealing with these
biases can help us think better and make smarter choices. And often, we're afraid of failing because
we believe we can't do something. But if we overcome these beliefs and have a positive attitude
about learning and growing, we can reach our full potential.

But looking at it more carefully, not all beliefs are bad. Some are basic truths that guide how we live
and interact with the world. Getting rid of all beliefs would be messy and confusing. Also, what one
person sees as a limiting belief might actually help someone else. This shows that context matters.
Lastly, breaking free from deeply held beliefs is tough. It needs us to look inside ourselves, be open
about our feelings, and sometimes, get support from others. Ignoring these challenges makes it
seem too easy, which can be discouraging.

So, while the idea of challenging our beliefs to grow has its benefits, a fair rating would be closer to
7 out of 10. This recognises the good it can do while understanding how complex and different it is
for each person. The journey to a more fulfilling life might not just be about getting rid of beliefs
but also understanding where they come from, how they affect us, and choosing the ones that match
our values and goals.

Statement 4: Growth and Self-Actualisation rather than curing diseases and alleviating
disorders.

Statement 4 Rating: 4/10

On one side, focusing on curing diseases and helping people with disorders is crucial. It directly
tackles pain and suffering, making life better for many. Ignoring this to only focus on personal
growth could mean leaving behind those who are struggling with serious conditions. Plus, it raises
questions about fairness and whether it's right to put individual growth above the well-being of
everyone. Also, personal growth often happens best when people are in a healthy and supportive
environment. Not paying attention to big issues like healthcare infrastructure could get in the way of
the growth we want for many people.

But there's something to be said for thinking about the benefits of focusing on growth and self-
actualisation. When people work on themselves and find their purpose, they can handle tough
situations better and make positive contributions to society. Also, by preventing problems before
they happen, we might not need as much healthcare in the future. This shows that investing in
people's well-being could be a smart move in the long run, even though resources are limited.

In the end, sticking strictly to either prioritising growth or health doesn't capture how complex
human well-being is. While it's important to deal with immediate suffering through healthcare,
ignoring the potential for personal growth and a supportive environment holds back long-term
progress for many. So, a more accurate score, maybe around 4 out of 10, recognises that it's not
easy to choose one over the other. We need to find a balance that looks at both individual and
community needs. Understanding these challenges and finding solutions that cover both sides will
be key in making sure everyone has a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Statement 5: Focus on Conscious rather than unconscious .

Statement 5 Rating: 5/10

On one side, paying attention to our conscious thoughts and feelings has clear benefits. By really
thinking about why we do things, we become more self-aware. This helps us understand our biases,
figure out why we act the way we do, and make smart choices. When we practice mindfulness and
other techniques, we get better at controlling our impulses and reactions, which could make us feel
better and help us grow as people. Also, when we question habits we do without thinking, we can
break free from behaviours that hold us back and live more intentionally.

But ignoring the unconscious would be a mistake. Lots of important mental processes happen
without us even realising it. Things like reflexes, gut feelings, and hidden biases are all part of the
unconscious mind. Not paying attention to these could make it hard for us to respond well to what's
happening around us, deal with tricky situations, or even manage our emotions. Plus, our conscious
minds need a lot of energy and can be influenced by biases. Relying too much on them could mean
we get stuck thinking too much and feeling tired from making too many decisions.

Also, the unconscious holds a lot of important clues about what we really want, what we're scared
of, and what makes us vulnerable. Techniques like looking at our dreams or writing in a journal can
help us understand these hidden parts of ourselves better. Using this information can be really
helpful for figuring out who we are and growing as people.

So, it's important to see the value in both conscious and unconscious processes. Instead of just
focusing on one, it's better to find a balance between the two. When we're mindful of what's going
on in our minds while also respecting the power of the unconscious, we can make better choices,
deal with tough situations, and live happier lives. This way of looking at things is more accurate
than just giving it a score out of 10 because it shows how both conscious and unconscious processes
shape our experiences.

Statement 6: Not being one’s true self is the source of problems.

Statement 6 Rating: 7/10

On one side, there's strong evidence that being authentic brings lots of benefits. When you stick to
your true values, express what's important to you, and chase after your real desires, it can make you
really happy and fulfilled. But if you hide who you really are, ignore your passions, or try to fit into
roles that don't match who you are inside, it can make you feel stressed, anxious, and torn inside.
Being genuine also helps you build real connections with others, making your relationships stronger
and reducing conflicts. Plus, being true to yourself opens up opportunities for personal growth and
discovering more about who you are. Facing challenges becomes more meaningful when you do it
in a way that feels right for you, and figuring things out helps you grow as a person.

But looking at it more closely, not all problems come from not being true to yourself. Firstly, the
idea of having one true self that never changes is pretty complicated. Our experiences shape us, and
what matters to us can shift over time. Holding onto a fixed idea of who you "should be" can hold
you back from growing and adapting to new situations and chances.
Also, the way we express ourselves is influenced by things like social rules, cultural expectations,
and our own life situations. Sometimes, we have to adjust and find a balance that works, especially
in our jobs or with our friends and family. Ignoring these factors and only focusing on being true to
yourself no matter what can cause unnecessary problems and make it harder to fit in different
situations.

Lastly, it's important to think about mental health. Things like unresolved trauma, mental health
issues, or just feeling down can affect how we see ourselves. Only thinking about finding your "true
self" in these situations might not help and could even make things worse.

So, a more accurate score, maybe around 7 out of 10, shows that there are good things about finding
out who you really are, but it's not always as simple as just being yourself. Everyone is different,
and things like how we see ourselves and what's going on around us all play a big part in how we
feel. Being true to yourself while staying open to learning and understanding mental health gives us
a better way to look at the relationship between being genuine and feeling good about ourselves.

Statement 7: The therapeutic relationship is the true vehicle to personal growth.

Statement 7 Rating: 8/10

The idea that "the therapeutic relationship is the key to personal growth" shows how powerful it can
be to have a supportive and understanding environment for change.
On one side, the relationship you build with your therapist is really special and can help you grow a
lot. Unlike other relationships, therapy gives you a safe place to talk about your deepest thoughts
and feelings without worrying about being judged. This helps you open up, think about yourself in
new ways, and find the courage to face tough challenges and beliefs that hold you back. Plus,
therapists are trained to understand and support you, which makes you feel accepted and
encouraged to explore and heal. They help you see patterns in your life, learn healthy ways to cope,
and set goals for getting better.

But it's important to remember that how helpful therapy is depends on a few things. How well you
get along with your therapist, how ready you are for change, and what issues you're dealing with all
play a big part in how much you grow. Also, therapy isn't the only way to grow. Things like
thinking about yourself, practicing mindfulness, and being part of supportive groups can also make
a big difference. Relying too much on therapy might make you think it's the only way to get better,
which isn't true for everyone, especially if therapy isn't easy to get or doesn't feel right for you.

So, a more accurate score, maybe around 8 out of 10, shows how valuable therapy can be for
helping you grow, but it also recognises that it's not the only way to change. By understanding what
therapy can do and what it can't, we can appreciate its help in making our lives better while also
exploring other ways to grow and find happiness.

Statement 8: Misery is Optional.

Statement 8 Rating: 6/10

On one side, the statement reflects a powerful truth: we have a lot of power over how we feel
inside. By using techniques like mindfulness, therapy, and becoming more aware of ourselves, we
can learn to control our thoughts, change our perspectives, and sometimes even manage our
emotions. By focusing on the good things in life, being grateful, and looking at tough situations in a
different way, we can change how we see things and maybe even feel better. Plus, we have choices
in life, both big and small, that shape what happens to us. Taking responsibility for these choices,
even when it's hard, can make us feel like we have more control over our lives, which can make us
happier.

But saying that all misery is just a choice can be insensitive and not very helpful. Sometimes, bad
things happen that we can't control. Big events, being sick for a long time, and unfair things in
society can make us really sad, and it's not always something we can change. Saying that people
choose to feel miserable ignores the real struggles that people go through. Plus, mental health issues
like depression and anxiety can make it really hard to feel happy. Saying that people can just choose
to be happy ignores the way chemicals in our brains and how we think can make us feel, and it can
make people feel even worse.

So, a more accurate score, maybe around 6 out of 10, shows that there's some truth to the idea that
we can choose to be happier, but it also shows that it's not that simple. Learning to be resilient,
thinking positively, and taking control of what we do are good ways to deal with tough times. But
saying that all misery is just a choice ignores that sometimes life is hard, and it doesn't take mental
health problems seriously. Understanding that happiness is complicated lets us see that we have
some control over how we feel, but also that sometimes things happen that we can't change, and
that's okay.

Statement 9: Penetrate at a deeper level to issues to create deeper choices for your life.

Statement 9 Rating: 8/10

On one side, the idea is really true. A lot of the choices we make come from things we might not
even realise, like hidden feelings, past experiences, or thoughts we don't even know we have. By
going deeper into these hidden parts of ourselves, we can learn a lot about who we are. Figuring out
why we think the way we do, understanding where our desires come from, and facing things we've
been avoiding can make a big difference. Knowing ourselves better helps us break free from old
habits, make choices that really matter, and live a life that matches what's important to us. When we
understand why we make certain choices, it opens up a whole new world of possibilities, which can
make our lives richer and more meaningful. And when we know why we do things, we feel more in
control and confident about where we're going.

But going deep into our thoughts and feelings can be really tough. It can bring up old memories that
hurt, force us to face things we've been avoiding, and make us feel all kinds of complicated
emotions. It's important to find a balance between exploring ourselves and taking care of our
emotional well-being. Also, thinking too much about things can sometimes make it hard to actually
do something about them. We can get stuck thinking so much that we can't decide what to do next.
So, it's important to find a balance between thinking and taking action.

Also, it's important to know that this approach doesn't work for everything. Sometimes, we need to
make quick decisions, and thinking too much might not be the best idea. And not everyone likes to
think deeply about themselves. Some people feel better when they're doing things instead of
thinking about them.
So, a more accurate score, maybe around 8 out of 10, shows that going deep into our thoughts can
help us make better choices, but it also shows that it's not always easy. Finding a balance between
thinking, feeling, and doing is important to make the most of this journey. And remember,
everyone's journey to understanding themselves is different, so it's okay to take it slow and find
what works best for you.