Self-Actualization is defined as the inner growth force leading to development of one's potential and the basis of people being trusted to resolve their own problems in a therapeutic relationship.

• A. The inner growth force leading to development of one's potential
• B. The alignment between inner experiences and outward expressions
• C. The role of the therapist as facilitator
• D. The sense of strength from knowing oneself

Answer: (A)

Self-actualization is the inner growth force driving a person to realize and develop their full potential. It captures the ongoing process of becoming who they are capable of being, which underpins the idea that individuals can navigate and resolve their own problems when given a supportive, nonjudgmental therapeutic relationship. The other ideas describe related concepts—congruence between inner experience and outward expression, the therapist’s facilitating role, or strength from knowing oneself—but they don’t define self-actualization as this inner drive toward realizing potential. Therefore, the best choice is the inner growth force leading to development of one's potential.