Validating Responses in Therapy Quiz

Which of the following is a validating response to a client who says, "I feel like no one understands me"?

• "You shouldn't feel that way; people do care about you."

• "It sounds like you're feeling really alone right now, and that's tough."

A client says, "I'm so overwhelmed, I can't handle this." Which response demonstrates emotional validation?

• "It makes sense that you're feeling overwhelmed given everything you're dealing with."

• "You just need to calm down and stop overreacting."

Which response is most appropriate for building a therapeutic relationship when a client says, "I'm scared to talk about my feelings"?

• "There's nothing to be scared of, just say it."

• "It's understandable to feel scared. We can go at your pace."

A client in crisis says, "I don't see the point in anything anymore." Which is a validating crisis intervention response?

• "It sounds like you're feeling hopeless right now, and that's really hard."

• "You shouldn't think like that; things aren't that bad."

Which response best demonstrates emotional validation when a client says, "I'm so angry I could scream"?

• "Anger is a normal response to what you've been through."

• "You need to control your anger."

A client says, "I feel like giving up." Which response is validating?

• "Giving up isn't the answer."

• "It sounds like you're feeling really exhausted and discouraged right now."

Which response is non-validating to a client who says, "I'm so anxious all the time"?

• "Everyone gets anxious; it's not a big deal."

• "It must be really difficult to feel anxious so often."

A client says, "I can't trust anyone." Which is a validating response?

• "It makes sense that you find it hard to trust after what you've experienced."

• "You should try harder to trust people."

Which response best supports building a therapeutic relationship when a client says, "I'm afraid you'll judge me"?

• "I want you to know this is a safe space, and I'm here to support you without judgment."

• "Why would I judge you? That's not my job."

A client says, "Nothing ever works out for me." Which is a validating response?

• "It sounds like you're feeling really discouraged by how things have been going."

• "That's not true; you're just being negative."