Assignment

Aggressive:

The client attacks the counselor physically or verbally or through grimaces and gestures. The client may “flip off” the counselor or simply say in reply to a counselor’s response, “That’s a stupid question” or “Of course I’m feeling angry, can’t you do anything but mimic back to me what I’ve already said.”

Cooperation:

The client responds directly to counselor comments or questions. S/he may openly try to work with the counselor in an effort to gather data or solve problems. Frequent head nods and receptive body posture are common.

Hostile:

The client is indirectly nasty or biting. Sarcasm, rolling back one’s eyes in apparent disgust over the counselor’s comment or question, or staring off with a sour grimace may represent subtle, or not so subtle, hostility. This behavior pattern is especially common among delinquent teenagers.

Impatient:

The client is on the edge of his/her seat. The client is not very tolerant of pauses or of times when the counselor’s speech becomes deliberate. S/he may make statements about wanting an answer to concerns immediately. There may be associated hostility and competitiveness in the case of Type A personality styles.

Indifferent:

The client’s appearance and movements suggest lack of concern or interest in the interview. The client may yawn, drum fingers, or become distracted by irrelevant issues or details. The client could also be described as apathetic.

Ingratiating:

The client is obsequious and overly solicitous of approval and counselor reinforcement. S/he may try to present self in an overly positive manner, or may agree with everything and anything the counselor says. There may be excessive head nodding, eye contact, and smiles.

Intense:

The client’s eye contact is constant, or almost so, the client’s body leans forward and listens intensely to the counselor’s words. Client voice volume may be loud and voice tone forceful. The client is the opposite of indifferent.

Manipulative:

The client tries to use the counselor for his/her own purpose or edification. S/he may interpret counselor statements to represent own best interests. Statements such as “His behavior isn’t fair, is it?” are efforts to solicit agreement and may represent manipulation.

Negativistic:

The client opposes virtually everything the counselor says. The client may disagree with reflections, paraphrases, or summaries that are clearly accurate. The client may refuse to answer questions or be completely silent throughout the interview. This behavior is called “oppositional.”

Open:

The client openly and straightforwardly discusses problems and concerns. The client may also be open to counselor suggestions or interpretations.

Passive:

The client offers little or not active opposition or participation. The client may say things like, “Whatever you think.” S/he may simply sit passively until told what to do or say.

Seductive:

The client may touch self in seductive or suggestive ways (e.g., rubbing body parts). S/he may expose skin or make efforts to be “too close” or to touch the counselor. The client may make flirtatious and suggestive verbal comments.

Suspicious:

The client may look around the room suspiciously (some even actively check for hidden microphones). Other examples include: squinting or looking out of the corner of one’s eyes, questioning what the counselor is writing down or about why such information is needed.