What does "unconditional positive regard" mean?

Unconditional positive regard is a primary basis for treating patients in psychotherapy, according to an article by Dr. Stephen Joseph in Psychology Today. Unconditional positive regard is a client-centered therapy founded by psychologist Carl Rogers.

The underlying theory in UPR therapy is that when a person feels he is in control of his own choices, his deep-seated desire to be socially constructive prevails. UPR directs a therapist to respect the human being and to understand that, although he appears to be dysfunctional, he is trying his best to change behaviors constructively. Therapists are not forced into agreement with the patient's behavior, but they are required to respect the patient's right to choose that behavior.