In Carl Rogers' person-centered therapy, congruence is also referred to as what?

• A. Warmth
• B. Empathy
• C. Genuineness
• D. Authenticity

Answer: (C)

Congruence in client-centered therapy means the therapist’s inner experience matches their outward behavior. The best term for this is genuineness. When a counselor is genuine, they are real in the moment, not playing a role or hiding what they truly feel within appropriate professional bounds. This authenticity helps clients sense safety and trust, making it easier for them to open up and explore their own feelings. If the therapist’s external demeanor doesn’t line up with their inner state, the relationship can feel inconsistent or insincere, which can hinder the client’s willingness to disclose and explore. Warmth refers to unconditional positive regard, empathy is the ability to understand the client’s experience, and authenticity is closely related but the specific Rogers-focused label for aligning inner experience with outer expression is genuineness.