“You Should See a Therapist…”

When someone is struggling mentally, the most common advice they receive is "you should see a therapist." It is well-intentioned, but it is often given without any real understanding of what therapy actually is, what it can and cannot do, and why it takes so long, or whether it is even helping.

The honest answer is that psychology is a fragmented field. As the study of the mind and behaviour it consists of multiple schools of thought, each offering different perspectives on human nature, mental health, and treatment, yet it does not have a universally agreed philosophy of life, a complete understanding of the brain and body, or a coherent framework for a human being to reach their potential. What it does have is a collection of schools of thought, each emerging from different philosophical traditions, each offering partial insights, and each largely designed to address a similar problem: getting the severely mentally ill — schizophrenia, psychosis, personality disorders — to function as stable members of society (Level -3 to Level 0).

Historically, the role of a 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, purpose, and a healing of the soul. This fragmentation has led to confusion in the modern world, with many people seeking answers and help but finding support that is often inadequate, inaccessible, or simply not oriented toward genuine development.

This gap has opened an opportunity for the field of personal development — unconstrained by strict academic disciplines — to draw from religion, philosophy, psychology, and science in an attempt to help individuals reach their potential. However, personal development has fallen into many of the same traps as the field of psychology above. This has driven many people back to established systems — Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Stoicism, Taoism — searching for the coherence and practical guidance that fragmented modern approaches have failed to provide.

The priests, shamans, and sages were far from perfect, but they operated within frameworks that addressed how to live. Modern psychology, in replacing them, focused on how to treat, leaving the deeper questions of meaning, purpose, and human potential largely unanswered. Had a secular universal framework existed, therapy could be far more effective, moving beyond the slow and fragmented processes that currently exist. This is what this series has attempted to do.

At its core, the need for therapy is a symptom of a fractured world. In a genuinely healthy community, one where every member was committed to becoming the best version of themselves, the role of the therapist would be largely unnecessary. Communal confession, shared oaths, and repentance would keep individuals honest and oriented toward growth, subjecting them to both guilt (the violation of their own ideals) and shame (the failure to meet the standards of those they belong to). But the most powerful motivator was the threat of exclusion from the people who give your life its meaning and belonging. That consequence, more than any private insight, kept communities self-governing. What we now pay a stranger to provide in a private office was once held by the people who knew us best, and the loss of that structure is not a personal failing. It is a civilisational one.

Finding the right help

Because we do not yet live in that world, finding the right guide becomes essential. When looking for a therapist or coach to support your journey, three things matter above everything else. The first is Respect — this needs to be someone you genuinely trust and look up to, not simply someone with credentials. The second is Knowledge — they should have a deep understanding of the areas you actually need help with, not just a general familiarity with psychological terminology. The third and most important is Authenticity — they must have done the real work on their own life. A guide who has not walked the path themselves cannot reliably lead others along it. The right words mean nothing if the life behind them tells a different story.

I personally prefer and refer people to seek a Jungian analyst (drawing from Carl Jung's work) who 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.

Conclusion

Understanding the landscape of therapy and personal development is the first step: knowing what it can and cannot offer, and what to look for in the people who claim to guide others through it. But understanding alone does not produce change. At some point the work has to begin. This series has attempted to provide the map: the philosophical grounding, the biological architecture, the developmental framework, and the domains in which all of it plays out. What remains is the most practical question of all: what do you actually do with it?

The final post in this series introduces the three pillars towards potential — a practical structure for anyone to organise and transform their life.

The History and Schools of Psychology

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.

Schools of thought 

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.

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): 

An umbrella term for various schools emphasizing the unconscious mind's influence on behavior. Originating with Sigmund Freud's psychoanalysis, it later branched into Carl Jung's analytical psychology (1913) and Alfred Adler's individual psychology (1912). Despite criticism for its lack of empirical validation, 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 crystallised intelligence), and John Carroll (Three-Stratum Theory). The broader field of psychometrics also encompasses personality assessments and individual differences.

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

Studies how individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by social interactions, group dynamics, and societal norms — exploring conformity, obedience, persuasion, prejudice, and group behavior.

Developmental psychology (1910-1950, United states):

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):

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):

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 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):

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 behaviour and mental health.

Bioenergetics: (1950s Austria, America):

Developed by Wilhelm Reich and expanded by Alexander Lowen, 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):

Expands on humanistic psychology by integrating 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):

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

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

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):

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.

Techniques

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, etc.

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.