A humanistic therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, in which the therapist uses techniques such as active listening within a genuine, accepting, empathetic environment to facilitate clients' growth, is called what?

• A. Client-centered therapy (person-centered therapy)
• B. Behavior therapy
• C. Psychoanalysis
• D. Cognitive therapy

Answer: (A)

This item probes your understanding of client-centered therapy, the humanistic approach Carl Rogers developed. In this style, the therapist provides a warm, nonjudgmental, accepting relationship and uses active listening—reflecting back the client’s words and feelings—to help the person hear and explore their own experiences. The core ingredients are genuineness, unconditional positive regard, and deep empathic understanding. Because the therapist is non-directive and believes the client has the inner capacity for growth, change emerges from the client’s self-exploration within this supportive environment.

This stance contrasts with other approaches: behavior therapy focuses on changing observable actions through learning and reinforcement; psychoanalysis emphasizes uncovering unconscious conflicts through techniques like free association; cognitive therapy targets altering distorted thoughts with structured strategies. The described emphasis on an empathetic, accepting setting with reflective listening best fits client-centered therapy.