Which therapeutic approach emphasizes unconditional positive regard and nonjudgmental acceptance?

• A. Gestalt therapy
• B. Person-centered therapy
• C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• D. Existential therapy

Answer: (C)

The key idea here is the therapist’s stance toward the client. Unconditional positive regard and nonjudgmental acceptance are foundational to person-centered therapy. In this approach, the therapist creates a safe, accepting environment—often described as warm, empathetic, and genuine—so clients can explore their true feelings and self-concept without fear of rejection. This non-directive stance helps clients move toward greater self-understanding and self-acceptance, fostering personal growth.

Gestalt therapy focuses on present-mense experience and awareness through activities and experiments; cognitive-behavioral therapy centers on identifying and changing distorted thoughts and behaviors; existential therapy deals with meaning, freedom, responsibility, and confronting existential concerns. Because unconditional positive regard and nonjudgmental acceptance are hallmark features of the person-centered approach, that is the best match.