During the working phase, which response would be most helpful when a client says they've been following their diet and medications and asks what else to discuss?

During the working phase, which response would be most helpful when a client says they've been following their diet and medications and asks what else to discuss?

• A. Some people have added exercise to diet and medication therapy and gotten positive results. Do you think that this would work for you?
• B. Let's focus on your medications today.
• C. Your adherence is excellent; continue as is.
• D. I want to talk about your family history.

Answer: (A)

In the working phase, the counselor supports planning feasible next steps by building on what the client has already begun and inviting their input. When a client says they’ve been following diet and medications and asks what else to discuss, introducing a concrete, evidence-based next step—adding exercise—fits naturally as the next progression and keeps the conversation collaborative. It validates the client’s efforts, offering a relatable, practical option that can amplify outcomes, and it ends with an open question that invites the client to voice interest, concerns, or preferences. This approach fosters motivation, autonomy, and shared decision-making, which are central to the working phase. Other approaches don’t promote this collaborative planning or expansion of the treatment plan. Narrowly focusing on medications misses an opportunity to enhance outcomes through a broader lifestyle change. Praising adherence and telling the client to continue as is can stall progress and shut down discussion about new goals. Shifting to family history diverts attention from the client’s current priorities and the immediate plan they’re evolving together.

In the working phase, the counselor supports planning feasible next steps by building on what the client has already begun and inviting their input. When a client says they’ve been following diet and medications and asks what else to discuss, introducing a concrete, evidence-based next step—adding exercise—fits naturally as the next progression and keeps the conversation collaborative. It validates the client’s efforts, offering a relatable, practical option that can amplify outcomes, and it ends with an open question that invites the client to voice interest, concerns, or preferences. This approach fosters motivation, autonomy, and shared decision-making, which are central to the working phase.

Other approaches don’t promote this collaborative planning or expansion of the treatment plan. Narrowly focusing on medications misses an opportunity to enhance outcomes through a broader lifestyle change. Praising adherence and telling the client to continue as is can stall progress and shut down discussion about new goals. Shifting to family history diverts attention from the client’s current priorities and the immediate plan they’re evolving together.