I believe that the therapist's function should be to help people become free to be aware of and to experience their possibilities.

In this quote, Rollo May, an influential American psychologist, emphasizes the role of the therapist in helping individuals realize their full potential and experience their possibilities. May believes that therapy should not simply focus on fixing problems or eliminating dysfunction but on facilitating personal growth and self-awareness. The therapist’s primary function, according to May, is to guide individuals towards a deeper understanding of themselves, empowering them to explore and embrace the choices and opportunities available to them.

May's perspective aligns with his existential psychology, which focuses on the human experience, personal freedom, and authenticity. He suggests that individuals often suppress their own potential due to fear, social conditioning, or past traumas. The therapist’s role, therefore, is to help clients break free from these limitations and reconnect with their true selves, enabling them to live more fully and intentionally.

The idea of helping individuals access and experience their possibilities is central to May's broader philosophical views on human freedom. He argues that true freedom comes from the ability to make choices based on self-awareness rather than external influences or unconscious impulses. For May, a key aspect of therapy is creating a safe space where clients can confront their fears, embrace their potential, and take ownership of their life’s direction.

Ultimately, May’s quote underscores the empowerment that comes from therapy. It is about enabling clients to see themselves not as passive recipients of help but as active agents capable of making meaningful choices. By helping individuals become aware of and engage with their possibilities, therapists can guide them toward a more authentic and fulfilled life.