Who developed a nondirective approach to counseling in the 1940s?

• A. Carl Rogers
• B. Sigmund Freud
• C. B.F. Skinner
• D. Erik Erikson

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is that nondirective or client-centered counseling places the client at the center of the process, with the therapist guiding by listening and reflecting rather than directing or giving advice. This approach was developed by Carl Rogers in the 1940s. Rogers argued that people have the inner resources for growth, and the therapist’s role is to create a supportive environment through unconditional positive regard, accurate empathy, and genuineness. When the therapist refrains from telling the client what to do and instead mirrors the client’s feelings and experiences, the client is free to explore problems and find their own solutions. This represents a shift away from more directive, expert-led models of therapy of that era and emphasizes the client’s autonomy and self-directed growth.

Freud’s psychoanalysis emphasized interpretation and uncovering unconscious drives, which is more directive in nature. Skinner’s behaviorism focuses on observable behaviors and external reinforcement, not a non-directive counseling stance. Erikson’s work centers on psychosocial development across the lifespan, not a specific nondirective counseling method.