The opening statement of the therapist should consist of?

• A. A summary of the case from the therapist
• B. A direct inquiry into the client's concerns
• C. A lecture on confidentiality
• D. A request for consent without discussion

Answer: (B)

Starting with a direct inquiry into what brings the client in and what matters most to them centers the session on the client’s perspective and sets a collaborative tone from the start. This approach invites the client to voice presenting concerns, priorities, and goals, which helps establish a clear, mutually agreed-upon agenda for the session. It also fosters trust and agency, signaling that the client’s experiences guide the work and that the therapist is listening and responsive.

If the opening were a summary of the case from the therapist, it would shift focus to the clinician’s interpretation rather than the client’s current concerns, potentially sidelining the client’s voice and immediate needs. A lecture on confidentiality at the outset can feel didactic and may overwhelm or distance the client before rapport is established. A request for consent without discussion also misses the opportunity for joint exploration of goals and limits, coming across as paternalistic rather than collaborative.