History of the Counseling Profession Practice Test 2026 - Free Counseling Profession Practice Questions and Study Guide

Carl Rogers developed client-centered therapy, a hallmark of humanistic psychology. This approach centers on the therapist creating a non-directive, supportive climate rather than guiding or directing the client. Key elements are unconditional positive regard, deep empathic understanding, and therapist genuineness (congruence). Rogers believed clients possess the inner resources for growth, and the therapist’s role is to reflect and clarify rather than give advice, helping the client move toward self-actualization by aligning their self-concept with their experiences.

For context, the other figures mentioned contributed different therapeutic traditions: Albert Ellis founded Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, which focuses on identifying and disputing irrational beliefs; William Glasser developed Reality Therapy/Choice Theory, emphasizing present behavior and personal responsibility; Fritz Perls founded Gestalt therapy, emphasizing awareness and integration of the here-and-now.