This essay aims to provide a theoretical foundation for the meaning of humanistic phenomenological psychology as conducted in an academic environment. The text starts by describing Phenomenology as a form of philosophical thinking that focuses on subjective human experience. Phenomenology attempts to understand the reality of the issues scientifically studied in Psychology. The first form of Phenomenological Psychology derives from Phenomenology as a philosophy and can be used in both psychological and psychiatric practice. Another form of Phenomenological Psychology, that is also inspired by Philosophy but employed scientifically in Psychology, consists of qualitative studies of specific, situated human experiences. This second form is discussed from a theoretical, humanistic point of view. Finally, as an illustration, seven steps for phenomenological humanistic research and professional practice are suggested.
Experimentation; Phenomenology; Humanism; Research psychology