The warmth of the third therapist, which does not change whatever Rit…

Ritika, 28, works at a bank in Pune. She feels lonely and cut off from others, and says nothing she does feels worthwhile since her parents stopped her from pursuing music. Her first therapist lets her pour out her anger and sadness without any criticism, and leaves it to Ritika to decide where each session goes. Later, a second therapist, a psychiatrist, talks openly about his own values and life, keeps her attention on the present, and reminds her that her life is unlike anyone else's. A third therapist repeats her statements back in simpler words, and his warmth does not change whatever she tells him.

The warmth of the third therapist, which does not change whatever Ritika tells him, is named as:

Answer & explanation

Correct answer: option 2

The correct answer is Option (2) → Unconditional positive regard

Option (1) Empathy — Incorrect. Empathy is understanding the client's experience as if it were the therapist's own. It is about understanding.

Option (2) Unconditional positive regard — Correct. Warmth that does not depend on what the client reveals or does is unconditional positive regard, a part of Rogers' client-centred therapy. It means total acceptance of the client as she is.

Option (3) Reflection — Incorrect. Reflection is rephrasing the client's statements to clarify them. The third therapist does this too, but it is a method.

Option (4) Therapeutic alliance — Incorrect. Therapeutic alliance is the relation in which the client trusts the therapist and the therapist has empathy for the client. It names the whole bond.

NCERT (2026-27): “Client-centred Therapy
Client-centred therapy was given by Carl Rogers. Rogers combined scientific rigour with the individualised practice of client-centred psychotherapy. Rogers brought into psychotherapy the concept of self, with freedom and choice as the core of one’s being. The therapy provides a warm relationship in which the client can reconnect with her/his disintegrated feelings. The therapist shows empathy, i.e. understanding the client’s experience as if it were her/his own, is warm and has unconditional positive regard, i.e. total acceptance of the client as s/he is. Empathy sets up an emotional resonance between the therapist and the client. Unconditional positive regard indicates that the positive warmth of the therapist is not dependent on what the client reveals or does in the therapy sessions. This unique unconditional warmth ensures that the client feels secure and can trust the therapist. The client feels secure enough to explore her/his feelings. The therapist reflects the feelings of the client in a non-judgmental manner. The reflection is achieved by rephrasing the statements of the client, i.e. seeking simple clarifications to enhance the meaning of the client’s statements. This process of reflection helps the client to become integrated. …”