Which statement best describes client-centered therapy’s emphasis on who directs the session?

Which statement best describes client-centered therapy’s emphasis on who directs the session?

• A. Therapist directs the session
• B. The client directs the focus and pace of the session
• C. The therapist dictates the goals
• D. The patient is passive

Answer: (B)

In client-centered therapy, the emphasis is on non-directiveness: the client leads the session, choosing what to discuss and how quickly to move through concerns. The therapist provides a supportive, nonjudgmental environment—offering empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence—to help the client explore experiences and trust their own insights. Because of this stance, the client directs the focus and pace of the session, guiding what is explored and when. The other descriptions imply the therapist controls or directs the process or that the client remains passive, which conflicts with this approach. The therapist isn’t dictating goals; instead, goals arise from the client’s own concerns and self-directed exploration.

In client-centered therapy, the emphasis is on non-directiveness: the client leads the session, choosing what to discuss and how quickly to move through concerns. The therapist provides a supportive, nonjudgmental environment—offering empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence—to help the client explore experiences and trust their own insights. Because of this stance, the client directs the focus and pace of the session, guiding what is explored and when.

The other descriptions imply the therapist controls or directs the process or that the client remains passive, which conflicts with this approach. The therapist isn’t dictating goals; instead, goals arise from the client’s own concerns and self-directed exploration.