Which of the following best describes the main idea behind validation therapy in psychotherapy?

• A. Validation therapy is primarily concerned with teaching clients new behavioral skills to replace maladaptive behaviors.
• B. Validation therapy aims to challenge and correct a person's false beliefs through logical reasoning and confrontation.
• C. Validation therapy focuses on accepting and empathizing with a person's feelings and experiences, even if they are based on misperceptions or confusion.
• D. Validation therapy emphasizes the use of medication to manage psychological symptoms.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core purpose of validation therapy, which is a therapeutic approach primarily used with individuals experiencing confusion or cognitive impairments, such as dementia.
2. Step 2: Recognize that validation therapy focuses on acknowledging and empathizing with the person's feelings and experiences rather than trying to correct or challenge their perceptions.
3. Step 3: Compare the options given: note that validation therapy does not primarily teach new behavioral skills, nor does it emphasize logical confrontation or medication management.
4. Step 4: Identify that the main idea behind validation therapy is to accept and validate the emotional reality of the client, even if their perceptions are based on misperceptions or confusion.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the correct description of validation therapy is the one emphasizing acceptance and empathy toward the person's feelings and experiences.