Which of the following is a feature that is more common in psychoanalytic therapy than in client-centered therapy?

• A. The use of free association to explore unconscious conflicts
• B. An emphasis on unconditional positive regard
• C. Active avoidance of therapist interpretation
• D. A focus on the client's conscious self-perceptions

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the core principles of psychoanalytic therapy. Psychoanalytic therapy, developed by Freud, focuses on uncovering unconscious conflicts and uses techniques like free association to explore these hidden thoughts and feelings.
2. Step 2: Understand the core principles of client-centered therapy. This approach, developed by Carl Rogers, emphasizes the conscious self-perceptions of the client and relies heavily on unconditional positive regard, empathy, and non-directive support rather than interpretation.
3. Step 3: Compare the techniques used in both therapies. Psychoanalytic therapy uses free association, where clients speak freely to reveal unconscious material, while client-centered therapy avoids therapist interpretation and focuses on the client's conscious experience.
4. Step 4: Identify which feature is more characteristic of psychoanalytic therapy. The use of free association to explore unconscious conflicts is a hallmark of psychoanalytic therapy and is not typical in client-centered therapy.
5. Step 5: Conclude that features like unconditional positive regard and avoidance of therapist interpretation are more aligned with client-centered therapy, whereas free association is distinctive to psychoanalytic therapy.