Final answer:
Kim's therapist is likely practicing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which aims to modify dysfunctional thinking patterns that influence a person's emotions and behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Kim's therapist, who criticizes and challenges her irrational and self-defeating ways of thinking, is most likely practicing cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Unlike Carl Rogers' client-centered therapy, which focuses on unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy, CBT directly addresses the way a person's thoughts influence their emotions and behaviors. In CBT, therapists help clients identify and change dysfunctional thinking patterns that lead to negative emotional and behavioral outcomes.
The description of Kim's therapist indicates a more active approach in pointing out the connections between thoughts and feelings, which is a hallmark of CBT.
This type of therapy is grounded in the idea that psychological problems are partly due to unhelpful ways of thinking and learned patterns of unhelpful behavior. Therapists who practice CBT work to develop more balanced and constructive ways of thinking with their clients.