In order for a client to feel understood, it is sometimes important for the therapist to:
A)break social rules by responding to the central affective meaning in the client's message.
B)reassure the client, by talking him/her out of painful feelings.
C)avoid acknowledging the client's need to depend on the therapist.
D)encourage transference within the therapeutic relationship.

Question

In order for a client to feel understood, it is sometimes important for the therapist  to: ​
A)break social rules by responding to the central affective meaning in the client's message.
B)reassure the client, by talking him/her out of painful feelings.
C)avoid acknowledging the client's need to depend on the therapist.
D)encourage transference within the therapeutic relationship.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Breaking social rules by responding to the central affective meaning in the client's message can help the client feel heard and understood, which is important for building a strong therapeutic relationship. It is not helpful to reassure the client by talking them out of painful feelings, as this can invalidate their experience. Avoiding acknowledging the client's need to depend on the therapist can be detrimental to the therapeutic relationship, as it is a natural part of the process. Encouraging transference within the therapeutic relationship can be helpful in certain cases, but it is not a necessary component for a client to feel understood.

In Order for a Client to Feel Understood, It Is