The Existential Humanistic Northwest professional organization is rooted in the modern existential and person-centered traditions within America and our broader Western culture. An existential perspective within psychology began to develop in the early twentieth century in the work of European theorists (most notably Ludwig Binswager) who were strongly impacted by the philosophical works of Kierkegaard, Heidegger, and Sartre.

In the 1950s, several prominent American psychologists including Abraham Maslow, Rollo May, Carl Rogers, and James Bugental pioneered a new, “growth-promoting” approach to psychotherapy in response to traditional psychoanalysis’s detachment and behaviorism’s narrow focus. E-H therapy tunes into a deeper and fuller experience of living. It encourages engaged presence, honest sharing of the authentic self, and affirming others to reveal themselves. It supports intentional, committed, active participation in the growth of one’s community, society, and global culture.