Which statement about a counselor's stance toward client problems best aligns with the idea that clients can solve their problems with support, not that they are inherently unable?

Which statement about a counselor's stance toward client problems best aligns with the idea that clients can solve their problems with support, not that they are inherently unable?

• A. A client is incapable of solving his or her problems.
• B. A client can solve his or her problems with appropriate support.
• C. Only the counselor can provide solutions.
• D. Solving problems is outside the scope of counseling.

Answer: (B)

Believing clients can solve their problems with support means seeing them as capable, active problem-solvers who benefit from a supportive, collaborative environment. The counselor’s job is to facilitate, not dictate or supply all the answers—offering empathy, refining goals, asking guiding questions, and connecting clients with resources so they can generate and implement their own solutions. This stance honors client autonomy and aligns with approaches that center empowerment and partnership, where progress comes from the client’s own ideas, with the counselor providing appropriate support. The other statements move away from this view. Claiming a client is incapable denies their agency and suggests dependence on the therapist. Saying only the counselor can provide solutions places the source of change outside the client, which undermines self-efficacy. Stating that solving problems is outside the scope of counseling ignores the purpose of therapy—to help clients manage challenges with support.

Believing clients can solve their problems with support means seeing them as capable, active problem-solvers who benefit from a supportive, collaborative environment. The counselor’s job is to facilitate, not dictate or supply all the answers—offering empathy, refining goals, asking guiding questions, and connecting clients with resources so they can generate and implement their own solutions. This stance honors client autonomy and aligns with approaches that center empowerment and partnership, where progress comes from the client’s own ideas, with the counselor providing appropriate support.

The other statements move away from this view. Claiming a client is incapable denies their agency and suggests dependence on the therapist. Saying only the counselor can provide solutions places the source of change outside the client, which undermines self-efficacy. Stating that solving problems is outside the scope of counseling ignores the purpose of therapy—to help clients manage challenges with support.