What term describes therapist acceptance of the client’s feelings without judgment?

• A. Congruence
• B. Unconditional Positive Regard
• C. Resistance
• D. Transference

Answer: (B)

Unconditional positive regard is the therapist’s acceptance of the client’s feelings and experiences without judgment. This stance, grounded in Carl Rogers’ person-centered approach, creates a safe, noncritical space that encourages the client to explore thoughts and emotions openly. The therapist communicates warmth, respect, and unwavering regard for the person, which helps reduce defensiveness and promotes self-discovery and growth.

Congruence is about the therapist’s genuineness and consistency between inner experience and outward behavior. Resistance refers to the client’s defenses that hinder progress. Transference is the process of the client projecting feelings about others onto the therapist. While these ideas are important, unconditional positive regard specifically captures the nonjudgmental acceptance of the client’s feelings themselves.