Final answer:
Client-centered therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, includes two defenses called denial and distortion, which function to prevent anxiety by protecting the individual's self-concept.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two defenses in client-centered therapy, as developed by Carl Rogers, include denial and distortion. These defense mechanisms function to protect the individual from experiencing anxiety that arises from confronting internal conflicts or external threats to their self-concept. Denial involves the outright refusal to accept reality or facts, thus blocking external events from awareness. Distortion involves twisting the reality of a situation to make it less threatening.
Rogers's approach emphasizes the need for a therapeutic environment characterized by congruence (genuineness or realness), unconditional positive regard (acceptance and caring), and empathic understanding. In this supportive environment, clients can explore their feelings without fear of judgment, leading to decreased use of defenses and increased self-awareness and personal growth.