Family therapists who believe people naturally tend toward self-actualization are influenced by which therapeutic model?

The belief that people naturally tend toward self-actualization aligns closely with the principles of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). EFT is rooted in attachment theory and emphasizes the importance of emotional experiences in relationships. Practitioners who subscribe to this model generally believe that individuals have an innate motivation to develop healthy attachments, leading to personal growth and fulfillment.

In EFT, the therapist helps clients navigate emotional expressions and responses to foster secure bonds within relationships. This therapeutic approach emphasizes understanding and nurturing the emotional experiences that facilitate self-actualization in individuals and couples.

In contrast, the other therapeutic models mentioned focus on different aspects of human behavior and relationships: Structural therapy emphasizes the organization and structure of family dynamics; Behavioral therapy concentrates on modifying observable behaviors through reinforcement techniques; and Cognitive therapy targets changing distorted thought patterns. None of these models center on the inherent motivation for self-actualization in the way that Emotionally Focused Therapy does.