Which therapy emphasizes unconditional positive regard?

• A. Psychodynamic therapy
• B. Humanistic therapy
• C. Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• D. Behavioral therapy

Answer: (B)

Unconditional positive regard is the cornerstone of humanistic, client-centered therapy. In this approach, the therapist accepts and values the client without judgment, no matter what the client thinks or feels. This nonjudgmental acceptance helps the client feel safe to explore thoughts and emotions, fostering self-acceptance and growth. It stands in contrast to other modalities that rely on interpretation, cognitive restructuring, or behavior change as the main mechanisms, rather than creating a consistently accepting therapeutic environment.