When a Client Presents Anxiety: Steps for Therapists

What should a therapist first do if a client presents a list of problems related to anxiety?

• A. Refer the client for a psychiatric evaluation
• B. Help the client identify and prioritize treatment objectives
• C. Validate the client's feelings of anxiety
• D. Suggest self-help strategies

Answer: (B)

When a client presents a list of problems related to anxiety, helping the client identify and prioritize treatment objectives is a crucial initial step. This process allows the therapist to understand the client's most pressing concerns and to collaboratively set specific goals for therapy. It also empowers the client, making them an active participant in their treatment plan. Engaging in this prioritization encourages the client to articulate what they feel is most important to address first, which fosters a sense of agency and helps set a clear direction for therapy. It also aids the therapist in focusing on the areas that will likely yield the most significant benefit for the client, thereby enhancing the therapeutic process. While validating the client’s feelings of anxiety is important for building rapport and ensuring the client feels heard, it does not directly contribute to the structuring of a treatment plan. Similarly, suggesting self-help strategies and referring for a psychiatric evaluation may be appropriate actions in the future, but these do not address the immediate need to collaboratively establish priorities in therapy. Addressing treatment objectives at the outset lays a solid foundation for ongoing therapeutic work.

When clients walk into your office with lists of anxiety-related problems—well, it can be a lot to unpack. You might find yourself wondering where to even begin, right? Not to worry! The first step, and honestly, the most important one, is helping your client identify and prioritize their treatment objectives. Why? Because this step sets the stage for everything that follows in therapy.

Think about it. When clients come in with their lists, they might feel overwhelmed—like they're staring at a mountain of challenges they need to climb. By collaborating with them to pinpoint what matters most, therapists can turn that daunting mountain into manageable hills. It’s all about guiding your client to express what feels urgent or significant to them. This not only fosters a sense of agency, but it also helps the therapist focus on what’s most likely to make a difference in their lives.

Now, let’s be real for a second. Validating a client’s feelings of anxiety is key to building rapport and ensuring they feel heard. You know what? It can even make the world of difference in some cases. After all, who doesn’t want to feel acknowledged? However, jumping straight into validation without first setting treatment objectives might derail the chances of effective therapeutic progress. The client deserves to actively participate in their treatment plans, and having that say builds trust.

As you guide them through prioritization, consider asking questions like, “Which of these problems would you like to tackle first?” This invites them to articulate their immediate needs while also making you an ally in the process. Remember, clients often feel a sense of relief when they can articulate what they want to work on. It’s freeing! Plus, establishing those objectives provides a clear direction for upcoming sessions, something that everyone can benefit from.

While suggesting self-help strategies or recommending a psychiatric evaluation may come up later in the therapy journey, they shouldn’t take the forefront initially. Those options become resources for once you're well on your way to meeting those identified goals. Imagine taking a scenic route, where each landmark (or goal) guides the way. By addressing treatment objectives first, you're creating a solid foundation for ongoing therapeutic work—and we all know that’s essential.

So, the next time a client walks in with a long list of anxieties, remember this key process. Help them identify and prioritize their treatment objectives, and watch as it transforms not just their experience in therapy, but yours as well. By partnering with your clients and respecting their individual concerns, you'll not only help them find clarity but also foster a deeper therapeutic alliance that can withstand the test of time. After all, therapy isn’t just a job—it’s a partnership, a journey toward healing.