When a client is ambivalent about change, the counselor should avoid becoming directive. True or False?

When a client is ambivalent about change, the counselor should avoid becoming directive. True or False?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not necessarily

Answer: (A)

Ambivalence about change calls for a non-directive, collaborative stance. When a client isn’t sure they want to change, pushing or telling them what to do tends to trigger resistance and defensiveness, making change harder. Instead, the counselor uses motivational interviewing skills—reflective listening, open-ended questions, and empathy—to help the client explore both sides of change. By articulating pros and cons, exploring ambivalence, and supporting autonomy, the client can find their own reasons and readiness to change, which is more powerful than external persuasion. In practice, you’d focus on eliciting change talk and rolling with resistance rather than pushing for immediate steps, and you’d invite the client to consider options at their own pace. This approach aligns with how motivation and readiness develop, especially in the early stages of change.

Ambivalence about change calls for a non-directive, collaborative stance. When a client isn’t sure they want to change, pushing or telling them what to do tends to trigger resistance and defensiveness, making change harder. Instead, the counselor uses motivational interviewing skills—reflective listening, open-ended questions, and empathy—to help the client explore both sides of change. By articulating pros and cons, exploring ambivalence, and supporting autonomy, the client can find their own reasons and readiness to change, which is more powerful than external persuasion.

In practice, you’d focus on eliciting change talk and rolling with resistance rather than pushing for immediate steps, and you’d invite the client to consider options at their own pace. This approach aligns with how motivation and readiness develop, especially in the early stages of change.