The process of emotional unburdening by the client, which has healing properties is called _____.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 2
The correct answer is Option (2) → Catharsis
Option (1) Sharing — Incorrect. ‘Sharing’ is an everyday word for telling someone about one’s feelings. It is not the name of the process; the term for emotional unburdening in therapy is catharsis.
Option (2) Catharsis — Correct. At the outset of therapy, while the client is being interviewed in the initial sessions, s/he unburdens the emotional problems being faced. This process of emotional unburdening is known as catharsis, and it has healing properties.
Option (3) Informed consent — Incorrect. Informed consent is an ethical standard: the therapist must take the client’s consent after explaining the treatment. It is a duty of the therapist, not a healing process.
Option (4) Alleviating personal distress — Incorrect. Alleviating personal distress and suffering is the goal that every attempt of the therapist should have, listed among the ethical standards. It names the aim of therapy, not the process of unburdening.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2022 on 05-08-2022 (Slot 2).
NCERT (2025-26): “Factors Contributing to Healing in Psychotherapy … 3. At the outset of therapy while the patient/client is being interviewed in the initial sessions to understand the nature of the problem, s/he unburdens the emotional problems being faced. This process of emotional unburdening is known as catharsis, and it has healing properties.…” “Ethics in Psychotherapy … 1. Informed consent needs to be taken. 2. Confidentiality of the client should be maintained. 3. Alleviating personal distress and suffering should be the goal of all attempts of the therapist.…” |