What is the primary focus of person-centered therapy according to Carl Rogers?

Prepare for the GACE School Counseling Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, complete with hints and detailed explanations. Get ahead in your exam preparation journey!

The primary focus of person-centered therapy, as developed by Carl Rogers, is achieving self-actualization. This approach emphasizes understanding the individual's perspective and facilitating personal growth and self-discovery. Self-actualization refers to the process of realizing one's full potential and capabilities. Rogers believed that by creating a supportive and non-judgmental environment, individuals can explore their feelings and thoughts more freely, leading to personal insights and growth.

This method of therapy values the individual’s ability to make choices and take responsibility for their own life, which is central to reaching self-actualization. The therapist's role is to provide unconditional positive regard, empathy, and congruence, allowing clients to feel safe as they work towards becoming the best version of themselves.

The other options, while relevant to different therapeutic approaches, do not capture the essence of person-centered therapy as clearly as the focus on self-actualization does.

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