Description: Maslow's humanistic psychology emphasizes the study of human beings as complex individuals with unique qualities and aspirations. Within the hierarchy of needs, a pyramid-shaped model comprising five levels of human needs: physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization. According to Maslow, individuals are intrinsically motivated to satisfy these needs in a hierarchical order. Once lower-level needs are met, higher-level needs become more salient, with self-actualization representing the highest stage of human growth and realization of one's fullest potential. 

Clinical Example: Maslow's humanistic psychology could be applied to a therapy session with a client named Teerth, who is struggling with self-esteem issues and feelings of stagnation in life. An OT can apply the hierarchy of needs to assess which needs are currently unmet in Teerth's life. Through open dialogue, the OT can identify that Teerth's lack of self-esteem and feelings of social isolation have hindered his ability to form meaningful connections with others.