Unconditional positive regard

Unconditional positive regard (UPR) is a concept in client-centered therapy. Carl Rogers, who created client-centered therapy, designated unconditional positive regard as one of the three conditions were necessary for positive change, along with empathy and genuineness (congruence).

Unconditional positive regard encourages the therapist, termed a counselor by Rogers, to treat the client as worthy and capable, even when the client does not act or feel that way. According to the Rogers's theory, mental illness is often caused by the absence of love, or by a defective kind of love, that the client received as a child. By showing the client unconditional positive regard and acceptance, the therapist is providing the best possible conditions for personal growth to the client.

To practice unconditional positive regard, while maintaining congruence at all times, the therapist provides specific feedback. The counselors show and demonstrate their care with their actions. If a clinician finds it hard to unconditionally regard their patient in a positive light, they need to keep in mind Rogers’ belief that all people have the internal resources required for personal growth. According to this theory, it is the environment that can make the difference as to whether growth occurs. A patient’s past environment may have been such that patterns of behaviour were developed in order to survive in that environment. These patterns can become entrenched so that the patient continues to operate in the world with them even if they are no longer appropriate. It is usually an inappropriate pattern that makes it hard for the clinician to regard their clients positively. The clinician needs to feel for the person under those patterns and for the person who was damaged and then survived by adapting by developing the patterns that are no longer appropriate.