For me and where I am in this round of therapy, unconditional positive regard is a necessity. I am dealing with many things that all point to core shame and attachment like issues. Without the unconditional positive regard, I would not have grown to trust her, love her, and in the process, learning to trust me and love me (the core me and not just the parts of me that I do well).

I think that unconditional positive regard is a tool in their toolbox and depending on the client more and less of it might be needed. I do think there needs to be a base level regardless of the client and overall, I believe a t can phrase things to point out bad choices while still maintaining unconditional positive regard (like what EM said). I also think that for some clients it might be necessary to be more direct in regards to destructive choices. However, I don't think that is/needs to be the norm to be "confrontational" regarding a clients behaviors/thought patterns.