Humanistic therapy primarily aims to do what?

Humanistic therapy focuses on the individual's inherent potential for personal growth and self-actualization. It emphasizes the importance of self-exploration and encourages individuals to reach their full potential by recognizing and overcoming any obstacles that may hinder their personal development. This approach is grounded in a belief in the fundamental goodness of people and the capacity for self-directed change.

In this context, the primary aim of humanistic therapy is to facilitate an environment where clients can confront and remove the barriers in their lives that prevent them from achieving personal growth. This can involve improving self-esteem, fostering a greater sense of authenticity, and enhancing self-awareness, which collectively contribute to a more fulfilling life.

The other options do not align with the core principles of humanistic therapy. While diagnosing mental illnesses and analyzing past traumas may be aspects of other therapeutic approaches, they are not the primary focus of humanistic therapy. Additionally, enforcing strict behavioral guidelines is contrary to the humanistic perspective, which values individual choice and the subjective experience of the client over rigid frameworks.