As clients learn more about their present behaviors, they generally become increasingly conflicted about the myriad of possibilities for change.

As clients learn more about their present behaviors, they generally become increasingly conflicted about the myriad of possibilities for change.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Somewhat true
• D. Never true

Answer: (B)

Ambivalence in the change process is the key idea here. When clients start to examine their current behavior and its consequences, it’s natural to see some conflict as they consider what could be different. But as they gain information, reflect on values, and hear or develop a plan, that conflict doesn’t usually keep growing with no end in sight. Instead, counseling skills that address ambivalence help clients weigh options, see feasible paths, and move toward a specific change plan. So the statement that learning more about present behaviors generally increases conflict about the many possibilities for change isn’t typically accurate; the common trajectory is toward greater clarity and commitment rather than escalating indecision.

Ambivalence in the change process is the key idea here. When clients start to examine their current behavior and its consequences, it’s natural to see some conflict as they consider what could be different. But as they gain information, reflect on values, and hear or develop a plan, that conflict doesn’t usually keep growing with no end in sight. Instead, counseling skills that address ambivalence help clients weigh options, see feasible paths, and move toward a specific change plan. So the statement that learning more about present behaviors generally increases conflict about the many possibilities for change isn’t typically accurate; the common trajectory is toward greater clarity and commitment rather than escalating indecision.