What is the primary goal of person-centered therapy?

• A. Provide directive guidance
• B. Diagnose and treat
• C. Create an atmosphere of safety and trust enabling awareness of blocks to growth
• D. Emphasize dream interpretation

Answer: (C)

The key idea in person-centered therapy is that the therapist provides a warm, nonjudgmental, and accepting climate in which clients feel safe to explore their experiences. That environment—rooted in unconditional positive regard, empathic understanding, and genuineness—helps clients become aware of the barriers blocking their growth, such as incongruence between self-perception and experience or reliance on others’ conditional acceptance. With that safety and trust, clients can examine their feelings more openly, access their own inner resources, and move toward greater self-acceptance and authenticity.

Other approaches emphasize giving direct advice, diagnosing and treating, or interpreting dreams, which are not the primary aims of this non-directive, client-led method.