In this episode, we speak with Dr. Louis Hoffman, Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Humanistic Counseling and Psychological Association. We explore the complexities of mental health, emphasizing the importance of confronting suffering as a means of personal growth. Hoffman discusses the balance between humanistic ideals and existential challenges, highlighting self-awareness, community support, and the issue of therapist burnout. He advocates for integrating evidence-based practices in existential humanistic therapy and shares insights from his recent publications, inviting listeners to engage further in fostering personal and collective healing. This is a must-listen for the psychotherapist, psychologist, clinical counselor, or anyone seeking mental wellbeing.
0:07 Introduction to Mental Health Perspectives
0:14 The Role of Humanistic Psychology
5:55 Facing Pain and Suffering
8:05 Finding Hope in Community
9:57 Understanding Existential Crises
19:22 The Power of Hope in Therapy
23:39 Trusting Clients and Their Potential
35:27 Integrating Evidence-Based Practices
40:31 Rethinking Rigorous Research in Psychology
42:04 How to find Dr. Louis Hoffman
Who is Dr. Louis Hoffman?
Louis Hoffman, PhD, is the Executive Director of the Rocky Mountain Humanistic Counseling and Psychological Association and a psychologist in private practice. An avid writer, he authored/edited 28 books and over 100 journal articles and book chapters. His books include Case Formulation in Existential-Humanistic Therapy, The Evidence-Based Foundations of Existential-Humansitic Therapy, Becoming an Existential-Humanistic Therapist, Eros & Psyche: Existential Perspectives on Sexuality, and the forthcoming two volumes, the APA Handbook of Humanistic and Existential Psychology. He has been recognized as a Fellow of the American Psychological Association and 6 of its divisions (1, 10, 32, 36, 48, 52) for his contributions to professional psychology. In 2021, he received the Rollo May Award from the Society for Humanistic Psychology. Dr. Hoffman is the co-chair of the Fourth World Congress of Existential Therapy, which will be held in Denver/Aurora, Colorado June 3-6, 2026. Outside of his professional work, he enjoys bicycle riding, hiding, spending time with his dogs, poetry, and deep conversations with friends.