James Frederick Thomas Bugental[1] (December 25, 1915 – September 17, 2008) was one of the predominant theorists and advocates of the Existential-humanistic therapy movement.

He was a therapist, teacher and writer for over 50 years.

He received his Ph.D. from Ohio State University, was named a Fellow of the American Psychological Association in 1955, and was the first recipient of the APA's Division of Humanistic Psychology's Rollo May Award.

He held leadership positions in a number of professional organizations, including president of the California State Psychological Association.

In "The Search for Authenticity" (1965), Bugental summarized the postulates of humanistic psychology, often quoted by other theorists: