What type of counseling is characterized by an emphasis on the client's inherent worth and capacity for growth?

Client-centered counseling, also known as person-centered therapy, is distinguished by its focus on the inherent worth of individuals and their natural ability to grow and self-actualize. This therapeutic approach, developed by Carl Rogers, is built on the belief that individuals possess the resources for growth within themselves, and that the role of the counselor is to provide a supportive environment that encourages self-exploration and self-acceptance.

In client-centered counseling, the counselor creates a non-judgmental space characterized by empathy, unconditional positive regard, and authenticity. This allows clients to feel safe in expressing their thoughts and feelings, which is crucial for personal development. The process emphasizes the client's perspective, empowering them to take charge of their own healing and growth.

The other types of counseling mentioned do not center primarily on the client’s inherent capacity for growth. Behavioral counseling focuses on understanding behavior through learning principles and modifying maladaptive behaviors rather than emphasizing existing worth. Psychoanalytic counseling delves into unconscious processes and past experiences but does not particularly project an inherent capacity for growth as its primary focus. Cognitive counseling primarily addresses thought processes and how they affect behavior and emotions, which, while important, does not specifically highlight the client's intrinsic worth as its core component.