In what way is person-centered therapy considered humanistic?

Person-centered therapy is considered humanistic primarily because it emphasizes the importance of the individual's experience and inherent potential for personal growth. The focus on acknowledging less anxiety for clients aligns with the core principles of humanistic psychology, which advocate for acceptance, understanding, and a belief in the individual's capacity for self-actualization.

In this therapeutic approach, the therapist creates a supportive and non-judgmental environment that encourages clients to explore their feelings and experiences. By acknowledging and reducing anxiety, therapists help clients to become more open to self-exploration and self-acceptance. This approach fosters a sense of safety that allows individuals to delve deeper into their thoughts and emotions, promoting personal insight and growth, which is at the heart of the humanistic perspective.

The other options do not align with the humanistic principles that person-centered therapy embodies. For example, a focus on therapist directives, external validation, or discouragement of self-exploration would contradict the foundational beliefs of humanistic therapy, as these practices do not support the client’s autonomy or personal growth, which are central tenets of the approach.