Question

In your own words, describe the concept of “unconditional positive regard.” Discuss why it’s an important aspect of person-centered therapy, including the potential impact of unconditional positive regard on the client and the psychotherapy relationship. How might this concept be applied in your own life with family, friends, partners, etc. and what may be the benefits?

Answer 1

• Unconditional positive regard means to accept the person the way they are without any judgments,to let them do what they want to do in life.Its all about showing support to the person no matter what they say or do,placing no conditions.Client centered therapy is non-directive,where client takes the lead and is given opportunity to express themselves the way they want,without therapist judging them.It focuses on making the client independent enough to deal with their problems on their own by realizing their truest potentials.And for this purpose unconditonal positive regard is important.
• Showing unconditional positive regard,makes the person confident in themselves and helps to overcome negative beliefs about themselves.
• In real life,when parents show unconditional positive regard towards their children,it helps to build self worth in them as they get older.Self worth makes the child value themselves more and believe in their abilities.The regard from parents,shapes a child's self image,and instills confidence in them to be their ideal self.
• When conditioned positive regard is shown,a child feels incongruence between real self and ideal self,as they are not accepted for who they are and what they want to become.This incongruence leads to negative self image and lack of confidence.Unconditional positive regard leads to psychological well being of the child and positive self worth.For example,if a parent accepts without any conditions the fact that their son identifies with his feminine side more,this would instill confidence in him to come out and have positive view about himself.