Which therapy focuses on the relationship between the therapist and the client as a means of healing?

Person-centered therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, emphasizes the significance of the therapeutic relationship as a crucial element in the healing process. This approach is based on the belief that individuals possess an intrinsic capacity for self-understanding and personal growth when provided with the right environment. Central to this method are the therapist's qualities of empathy, unconditional positive regard, and congruence. By fostering a safe and supportive atmosphere, clients are encouraged to explore their thoughts and feelings openly, ultimately leading to greater self-awareness and positive change.

In contrast, other therapies like behavioral therapy and cognitive therapy focus more on specific techniques and processes such as behavior modification or cognitive restructuring, and while the therapist-client relationship is important in all therapeutic modalities, it is not the primary focus in those approaches. Psychodynamic therapy also recognizes the relationship with the therapist but primarily aims to uncover unconscious motives and childhood experiences influencing current behavior rather than emphasizing the therapeutic relationship itself as the core mechanism for healing.