Ability-potential responses are best described as

Ability-potential responses are best described as

• A. Direct instruction that tells the client exactly what to do.
• B. Encouragement by expressing confidence in the client's readiness to act and helping move from goals to actions.
• C. Critiquing the client's motives.
• D. Ignoring client goals.

Answer: (B)

Ability-potential responses center on expressing belief in the client’s capacity and guiding the move from goals to action. By affirming that the client is capable and ready to act, you boost self-efficacy—the sense that “I can do this.” This approach also helps translate intentions into concrete steps, shaping an action plan with small, achievable tasks and offering support as the client begins to act. It honors the client’s autonomy while providing encouragement and a clear path forward, which strengthens motivation to change. Direct instruction tells the client exactly what to do, which can undermine autonomy; critiquing motives is judgmental and counterproductive; ignoring goals neglects what the client has identified as important. In contrast, ability-potential responses pair belief in the client with practical steps to move from goal to action.

Ability-potential responses center on expressing belief in the client’s capacity and guiding the move from goals to action. By affirming that the client is capable and ready to act, you boost self-efficacy—the sense that “I can do this.” This approach also helps translate intentions into concrete steps, shaping an action plan with small, achievable tasks and offering support as the client begins to act. It honors the client’s autonomy while providing encouragement and a clear path forward, which strengthens motivation to change.

Direct instruction tells the client exactly what to do, which can undermine autonomy; critiquing motives is judgmental and counterproductive; ignoring goals neglects what the client has identified as important. In contrast, ability-potential responses pair belief in the client with practical steps to move from goal to action.