A fork in the developmental path leads a child either to imitate adults in order to become more assertive and powerful themselves, or consciously to … - Tom Butler-Bowdon

If you have ever talked about having an “identity crisis” you have psychologist Erik Erikson to thank for inventing the term.

The contribution of humanistic psychology to better relationships is recognized by the inclusion of Carl Rogers, whose influential book reminds us that relationships cannot flower if they don’t have a climate of listening and nonjudgmental acceptance, and that empathy is the mark of a genuine person.

This work led cognitive therapists such as Aaron Beck, David D. Burns, and Albert Ellis to build treatment around the idea that our thoughts shape our emotions, not the other way around. By changing our thinking, we can alleviate depression or simply have greater control over our behavior.