“You Should See a Therapist…”

Many people usually suggest to someone struggling with personal challenges that they should "see a therapist," assuming it will resolve whatever issues they are facing. This recommendation is often made without fully understanding what therapist does and what therapy entails, the different schools of thought within it, or the fact that "therapy" itself extends beyond psychology. While the term "therapist" can apply to professionals in various fields—such as physical therapy, osteopathy, or speech therapy—it is most commonly associated with psychology and mental health treatment.

Psychology, the study of the mind and behavior, consists of multiple schools of thought, each offering different perspectives on human nature, mental health, and treatment. The reason for this diversity is that we do not have a universally accepted philosophy of life, the mind or a complete understanding of the brain and body that all experts agree upon. As a result, different psychological approaches have developed over time, shaping the various forms of therapy available today.

Like most sciences, psychology has deep philosophical roots. The word itself comes from the Greek psyche, meaning "soul" or "breath of life." Aristotle with his work De Anima (On the Soul) laid the groundwork for psychological inquiry, questioning the nature of human thought, emotion, and behavior, which were later expanded by philosophers such as:

• Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) – Explored the will to power, the role of the unconscious, and how psychological drives shape human behavior, influencing existential and depth psychology.

• Søren Kierkegaard (1813–1855) – Considered the father of existentialism, focusing on anxiety, despair, and the individual's subjective experience, laying the foundation for existential psychology.

• John Locke (1632–1704) – Proposed the mind as a tabula rasa (blank slate), emphasizing experience in shaping thought and behavior, influencing behaviorism and empiricism.

• Arthur Schopenhauer (1788–1860) – Argued that human behavior is driven by the will to life, an unconscious force, prefiguring psychoanalysis and existential psychology.

• David Hume (1711–1776) – Emphasized the role of emotions, habits, and experience in shaping thought, challenging the idea of a fixed self and influencing cognitive psychology.

• René Descartes (1596–1650) – Introduced dualism, the separation of mind and body, which influenced early neuroscience and cognitive psychology.

• Immanuel Kant (1724–1804) – Argued that human perception is shaped by innate categories of understanding, influencing cognitive science and Gestalt psychology.

  
  

• Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831) – Developed the dialectical method, influencing theories of consciousness, self-development, and historical psychology.

  
  

• Henri Bergson (1859–1941) – Explored the nature of consciousness, memory, and time, shaping later phenomenological and cognitive psychology.

  
  

• Edmund Husserl (1859–1938) – Founded phenomenology, emphasizing subjective experience, which influenced existential and humanistic psychology.

  
  

• Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980) – Expanded existentialist ideas on freedom, self-perception, and responsibility, influencing existential and humanistic psychology.

The History and Schools of Psychology

From these philosophical foundations, psychology eventually emerged as a formal scientific discipline that began with two foundational schools of thought: structuralism, founded by Wilhelm Wundt, and functionalism, pioneered by William James. These schools laid the groundwork for the field.

Structuralism (1879) Germany:

Focused on the conscious mind and breaking down mental processes into their basic components to understand the structure of consciousness, using introspection as its primary method.

Functionalism (1890) United states:

Focused on understanding the functions of mental processes and behaviors in helping individuals adapt to their environment, using diverse methods like observation and experimentation.

Depth psychology (1890’s, Austria): 

Depth psychology is an umbrella term for various schools of psychology that emphasize the unconscious mind's influence on behavior. Originating with Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis, it later branched into three major schools of thought: Freud's psychoanalysis, Carl Jung's analytical psychology (1913), and Alfred Adler's individual psychology (1912). While it laid foundational ideas about the unconscious and its impact on behavior, depth psychology has faced criticism for its lack of empirical validation and limited academic support. Despite this, it has significantly influenced psychotherapy, literature, and cultural studies.

Psychometric & Intelligence Research (1900s, Global):

Focused on measuring mental abilities, particularly intelligence, with contributions from Charles Spearman (g-factor), Raymond Cattell (fluid and crystallized intelligence), and John Carroll (Three-Stratum Theory). While primarily centered on intelligence, the broader field of psychometrics also encompasses the development of personality assessments, evaluating traits, behaviors, and individual differences, with significant applications in psychological testing and evaluation.

Social Psychology (1900s–1960, United States & Europe):

Social psychology studies how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by social interactions, group dynamics, and societal norms. It explores topics like conformity, obedience, persuasion, prejudice, and group behavior.

Developmental psychology (1910-1950, United states):

Developmental psychology focuses on the study of human growth and development across the lifespan, including physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes. Influenced by key figures such as Jean Piaget, who explored stages of cognitive development, and Erik Erikson, known for his psychosocial development theory, this field emphasizes how individuals evolve through distinct stages influenced by biological, psychological, and environmental factors. Developmental psychology has applications in education, parenting, and understanding life transitions.

Behaviorism (1910s - 1950s, United States):

Founded by John B. Watson, behaviorism focused on observable behavior, rejecting introspection and emphasizing stimulus-response relationships. It argued that behavior is shaped by environmental influences, not internal mental states. Influenced by Ivan Pavlov's work on classical conditioning, Watson's approach laid the foundation for understanding how behaviors are learned through associations.

B.F. Skinner expanded on this with operant conditioning (1930s - 1950s), focusing on how behavior is reinforced or punished. Skinner's work, especially on reinforcement schedules, had broad applications in education, therapy, and animal training. Despite its influence, behaviorism eventually gave way to cognitive psychology as a dominant framework in the mid-20th century.

Gestalt Psychology (1910s - 1930s, Germany):

Gestalt psychology emphasized that the mind organizes experiences into unified wholes (gestalts) that are more than the sum of their parts. Gestalt principles, such as figure-ground relationship and proximity, continue to influence cognitive psychology and perceptual studies today.

Cognitive Psychology (1950s - 1980, United States):

Cognitive psychology focuses on mental processes like perception, memory, and decision-making, emphasizing internal functions rather than observable behavior. Emerging as a response to behaviorism, it views the mind as an information processor. Influenced by figures like Ulric Neisser and George Miller, it laid the foundation for cognitive neuroscience and has impacted fields like education, artificial intelligence, and human-computer interaction.

Phenomenological Psychology (1950s - 1970s, Europe):

Emerging from Edmund Husserl’s phenomenology, this approach studies conscious experience from the first-person perspective, rejecting reductionism. It influenced existential psychology and humanistic psychology, with key figures including Maurice Merleau-Ponty and Amedeo Giorgi.

Existential Psychology (1950s - 1970s, Europe & United States):

Rooted in existential philosophy, this approach explores human freedom, responsibility, meaning, and the anxiety of existence. It emphasizes personal choice and the struggle for authenticity. Key figures include Rollo May, Viktor Frankl, and Irvin D. Yalom.

Humanistic Psychology (1940s - 1960s, United States):

Humanistic psychology emphasizes personal growth, self-actualization, and the inherent goodness of people. Emerging as a reaction to both psychoanalysis and behaviorism, it focuses on the individual’s subjective experience, self-awareness, and potential for self-improvement. Key figures like Abraham Maslow, with his hierarchy of needs, and Carl Rogers, with client-centered therapy, advocated for a positive, holistic approach to understanding human behavior and mental health.

Bioenergetics: (1950s Austria, America):

Developed by Wilhelm Reich in Austria and expanded by Alexander Lowen in the U.S., bioenergetics integrates psychoanalysis and somatic therapy, focusing on the link between emotions and physical tension. It uses bodywork, breathing techniques, and emotional expression to release muscular blockages and restore energy flow.

Transpersonal Psychology (1960s–Present, United States):

Expanding on humanistic psychology, transpersonal psychology integrates spirituality, altered states of consciousness, and self-transcendence into psychological study. It explores mystical experiences, meditation, psychedelic therapy, and the integration of Eastern philosophies into psychology. Pioneers include Stanislav Grof, Ken Wilber, and Abraham Maslow (who introduced the idea of self-transcendence beyond self-actualization).

Evolutionary Psychology (1980s–Present, United States & United Kingdom):

Evolutionary psychology examines how psychological traits and behaviors evolved through natural selection to solve adaptive problems faced by our ancestors. It suggests that many cognitive and behavioral tendencies—such as mate selection, cooperation, aggression, and fear responses—are shaped by evolutionary pressures. This field has influenced areas like cognitive psychology, behavioral economics, and personality psychology.

Cultural and Cross-Cultural Psychology (1980s–Present, Global):

Cultural psychology examines how culture shapes cognition, emotions, and behavior. It challenges the idea of universal psychological principles by emphasizing the context-dependent nature of human psychology.

Positive Psychology (1990s - Present, United States):

Positive psychology, founded by Martin Seligman, focuses on promoting positive emotions, strengths, and well-being rather than just addressing mental illness. It emphasizes human flourishing, resilience, gratitude, and optimism, aiming to enhance life satisfaction, build emotional intelligence, and improve overall quality of life by nurturing individual strengths and virtues.

The development of these schools has led to the popular coaching and therapy techniques we know of today.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (1960s) - Aaron T. Beck, Albert Ellis

   CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress. It’s structured, goal-oriented, and often short-term.

   Applications: Anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, eating disorders, and more.

2. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) (1980s) - Steven C. Hayes, Kelly G. Wilson, Kirk Strosahl

   ACT encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them, while committing to actions aligned with their values.

   Applications: Chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and stress management.

3. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) (1980s) - Marsha M. Linehan

   DBT combines CBT with mindfulness and emotional regulation techniques. It’s particularly effective for individuals with intense emotional swings.

   Applications: Borderline personality disorder (BPD), self-harm, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse.

4. Mindfulness-Based Therapies (MBSR: 1979, MBCT: 1990s) - Jon Kabat-Zinn (MBSR), Zindel Segal, Mark Williams, John Teasdale (MBCT)

   These therapies, such as Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), incorporate mindfulness practices to help individuals stay present and reduce stress.

   Applications: Depression relapse prevention, anxiety, and chronic pain.

5. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (1987) - Francine Shapiro

   EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (e.g., eye movements) to help individuals process and heal from traumatic memories.

   Applications: PTSD, trauma, and anxiety disorders.

6. Psychodynamic Therapy (Late 19th century) - Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, Alfred Adler

   This approach explores unconscious processes and past experiences to understand current behavior and emotional struggles.

   Applications: Long-standing emotional issues, relationship problems, and personality disorders.

7. Hypnotherapy (Late 19th century, modernized in the 20th century) - James Braid, Milton Erickson

   Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention to access the subconscious mind often involving suggestion techniques and symbolic imagery.

   Applications: Behavior change, trauma, pain management, and overcoming fears.

8. Family Therapy (1950s-1960s) - Murray Bowen, Salvador Minuchin, and Virginia Satir

   Traditional family therapy addresses dysfunctional dynamics, communication, and emotional issues within the family system. It views the family as interconnected, where one member's behavior impacts the entire group.

   Applications: Family conflicts, communication issues, parenting problems, relationship issues, trauma, divorce, addiction, and mental health struggles within a family context.

9. Internal Family Systems (IFS) (1980s) - Richard C. Schwartz

   IFS views the mind as a collection of subpersonalities or "parts," each with its own role. The therapy aims to heal these parts and restore balance.

   Applications: Trauma, self-esteem issues, and relationship difficulties.

10. Humanistic/Person-Centered Therapy (1940s-1950s) - Carl Rogers

    This therapy emphasizes empathy, unconditional positive regard, and self-actualization.

    Applications: Personal growth, self-esteem, and relationship issues.

11. Somatic Experiencing (1950s) - Peter Levine

    Looks to heal trauma by releasing sensations stored in the body.

    Applications: Trauma, PTSD, stress-related disorders, emotional expression, and physical release of stored trauma.

12. Art and Creative Therapies (Art Therapy: 1940s) - Margaret Naumburg, Edith Kramer

    These therapies use creative processes like art, music, or drama to help individuals express and process emotions.

    Applications: Trauma, children’s therapy, and nonverbal communication.

13. Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) (1970s) - Richard Bandler, John Grinder

    NLP explores the connection between language, behavior, and thought patterns. Techniques include modeling successful behaviors, reframing beliefs, and anchoring positive states. It is used for personal development, communication skills, and goal setting.

    Applications: Personal development, phobias, communication skills, and improving performance.

Historically, the role of therapist was fulfilled by medicine men, shamans, priests, gurus, and sages—figures who provided guidance through personal struggles and the search for meaning within well-defined spiritual or philosophical frameworks. However, as the developed world grew more secular, its focus shifted toward modern medicine and materialism, leaving behind many of the structured systems that once oriented individuals toward personal growth and purpose.

This fragmentation has led to confusion in the modern world, with many people seeking answers and help. When looking for a mentor or guide to support your journey of growth/healing, it’s essential to consider a few things:

• Respect: Ensure it’s someone you respect and trust to guide you.

• Knowledge: They should be knowledgeable in the areas you need help with.

• Authenticity: It’s crucial that they have done the work on their own life and practice what they preach.

  
  

Conclusion

Today, most psychologists focus primarily on treating neuroses and psychopathologies, often lacking the tools or frameworks needed to guide individuals toward realizing their full potential. This limitation arises because psychology does not offer a complete solution to the challenges it seeks to address. Had a secular, universal philosophy existed, therapy could be far more effective and efficient, moving beyond the slow and fragmented processes that currently prevail.

This fragmentation echoes the struggles throughout religion and philosophy, due to no universal agreed framework to structure our lives. This gap has opened an opportunity for the field of personal development to open up, not constrained by academic disciplines, to draw from a broad array of fields—religion, philosophy, psychology, science, and more—to help individuals reach their full potential.

However, they can also fall into the trap of relying and focusing on single modalities, limiting their ability to address the complexities of human growth and development. This narrow approach has driven many people back to established systems of thought, such as religions like Christianity, Islam, and Buddhism, or to movements like New Age spirituality and the “spiritual but not religious” crowd. Likewise, philosophies such as Stoicism and Taoism have seen a resurgence, as individuals search for frameworks that provide practical guidance, meaning, and holistic approaches for their development.

As the scientific fields of psychology and neuroscience continue to develop it will also influence philosophy which will ripple into multiple different fields as we try to solve the complexity of the human experience.

Note:

I personally prefer and refer people to seek a Jungian analyst (drawing from Carl Jung's work) and follows a humanistic, client-centered approach. I also like the effectiveness of someone trained in NLP, Timeline Therapy, the Meta Model, and Ericksonian hypnotherapy, as these methods provide an efficient method for lasting change. This all however has to be grounded toward an ideal version of yourself that is connected to an optimal universal philosophy, which I will continue to map out.