Ace the 2025 CAADC Challenge – Elevate Your Counseling Game!

The inquiry that a counselor makes when a client expresses conflicting feelings about their addictions program is best reflected in active listening. Active listening involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and remembering what the client is saying. It enables the counselor to not only hear the words but also grasp the underlying emotions and conflicts the client is experiencing.

When clients convey mixed emotions, it is crucial for the counselor to acknowledge these feelings through active listening techniques, such as reflecting back what the client has said, summarizing their thoughts, and asking clarifying questions. This approach helps to build rapport and creates a safe space for clients to explore their ambivalence without judgment.

Active listening is fundamental in a therapeutic setting because it allows clients to feel heard and validated, which can facilitate deeper exploration of their feelings and may lead to insights that support their recovery process. It also demonstrates empathy, showing the client that their experiences and emotions are important, thus enhancing the counseling relationship.