In which of the following therapy, the client is taught to recognize the bodily processes and the emotions that are being blocked out from awareness?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → Gestalt therapy
Option (1) Client-centered therapy — Incorrect. Given by Carl Rogers, it provides a warm relationship of empathy, unconditional positive regard and authenticity in which the client can reconnect with her or his feelings. The therapist reflects the client’s feelings; the client is not taught to watch bodily processes.
Option (2) Cognitive behaviour therapy — Incorrect. CBT combines cognitive and behavioural techniques in a bio-psychosocial approach, challenging negative automatic thoughts and changing faulty behaviour. It works on thoughts and actions, not on blocked emotions in the body.
Option (3) Existential therapy — Incorrect. Existential therapy, such as Frankl’s logotherapy, helps patients find meaning and responsibility in their life. Its focus is the meaning of one’s existence.
Option (4) Gestalt therapy — Correct. Its goal is to increase self-awareness and self-acceptance. The client is taught to recognise the bodily processes and the emotions that are being blocked out from awareness, and the therapist encourages the client to act out fantasies about feelings and conflicts.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2023 on 27-05-2023 (Slot 1) and 22-06-2023 (Slot 3).
NCERT (2025-26): “Gestalt Therapy … The German word gestalt means ‘whole’. This therapy was given by Freiderick (Fritz) Perls together with his wife Laura Perls. The goal of gestalt therapy is to increase an individual’s self-awareness and self-acceptance. The client is taught to recognise the bodily processes and the emotions that are being blocked out from awareness. The therapist does this by encouraging the client to act out fantasies about feelings and conflicts.…” |