Question

It is important to understand clients and their expectations for counseling. Clients coming in for treatment carry with them both helpful and harmful expectations. Which of the following is a harmful client expectation?

a. "This counselor is a stranger, but maybe I can learn to trust her."
b. "My counselor will direct me to do what I need to do, and everything will be OK."
c. "My counselor will be a resource that I can use to resolve my problems."
d. "The counselor's main concern and responsibility is to help me achieve my goals and objectives."

Answer 1

A harmful client expectation is when they expect the counselor to direct them without any responsibility of taking action.

Step-by-step explanation:

A harmful client expectation, among the options given, is b. 'My counselor will direct me to do what I need to do, and everything will be OK.' This expectation implies a passive approach to counseling, where the client expects the counselor to provide all the solutions and take responsibility for their progress. In reality, counseling is a collaborative process, and clients are expected to actively engage in their therapy and work towards their goals. According to Carl Rogers' client-centered therapy, the counselor provides support with unconditional positive regard, genuineness, and empathy, enabling clients to take the lead and actively participate in their therapy sessions and self-healing process.