Which description aligns with a directive, behavioral approach in counseling?

Which description aligns with a directive, behavioral approach in counseling?

• A. Counselors Should Employ a Structured and Active Method
• B. Counselors Should Be Entirely Passive
• C. Only Interpret Dreams
• D. Focus on Talk Therapy Without Structure

Answer: (A)

Directing and actively shaping change is characteristic of a directive, behavioral approach. The counselor leads the session, sets clear goals, uses structured activities, and assigns homework to practice new skills. Progress is judged by observable changes and reinforced behaviors, with the therapist guiding the process through instructions, feedback, and behavior modification techniques. This contrasts with a passive or nondirective stance, or with dream interpretation or purely unstructured talk therapy, which do not embody the directive, behavioral style. Therefore, the description that counselors should employ a structured and active method best captures this approach.

Directing and actively shaping change is characteristic of a directive, behavioral approach. The counselor leads the session, sets clear goals, uses structured activities, and assigns homework to practice new skills. Progress is judged by observable changes and reinforced behaviors, with the therapist guiding the process through instructions, feedback, and behavior modification techniques. This contrasts with a passive or nondirective stance, or with dream interpretation or purely unstructured talk therapy, which do not embody the directive, behavioral style. Therefore, the description that counselors should employ a structured and active method best captures this approach.