Which statement best describes a contribution of person-centered therapy?

Which statement best describes a contribution of person-centered therapy?

• A. The therapist is an expert who directs therapy
• B. The therapy is technique-centered
• C. The client is passive
• D. The therapy is relationship-centered rather than technique-centered

Answer: (D)

The key idea is that growth in person-centered therapy comes from the quality of the client–therapist relationship, not from applying a set of techniques. Carl Rogers stressed a nondirective stance where the therapist provides a safe, accepting, and empathic environment—unconditional positive regard and genuineness—so the client can explore and understand themselves. The therapist acts as a facilitative presence rather than an expert who directs the course of therapy. This approach treats the client as an active agent capable of self-directed change, rather than a passive recipient of guidance. Because of that emphasis on the relationship and the client’s self-discovery, saying the therapy is relationship-centered captures its essential contribution more accurately than focusing on technique, directives, or passivity.

The key idea is that growth in person-centered therapy comes from the quality of the client–therapist relationship, not from applying a set of techniques. Carl Rogers stressed a nondirective stance where the therapist provides a safe, accepting, and empathic environment—unconditional positive regard and genuineness—so the client can explore and understand themselves. The therapist acts as a facilitative presence rather than an expert who directs the course of therapy. This approach treats the client as an active agent capable of self-directed change, rather than a passive recipient of guidance. Because of that emphasis on the relationship and the client’s self-discovery, saying the therapy is relationship-centered captures its essential contribution more accurately than focusing on technique, directives, or passivity.