Which of the following best describes clients’ initial feelings towards therapy?

The initial feelings that clients often experience when beginning therapy are frequently characterized by helplessness and a lack of decision-making ability. This response can emerge from various factors, including the challenges that have led them to seek help in the first place, such as overwhelming stress, anxiety, or emotional turmoil. Many clients may feel uncertain about their ability to navigate their problems and may struggle with understanding their own emotions or the process of therapy itself.

This sense of helplessness can serve as a pivotal point in therapy, where an effective therapist will work to help clients rebuild their sense of agency and empowerment over time. Through the therapeutic process, individuals can gradually become more aware of their feelings and decision-making capabilities, transforming that initial sense of powerlessness into strength and resilience as they gain insights and learn new coping strategies.

In contrast, feelings of empowerment, clarity about emotions, or excitement for personal growth typically develop as clients progress through therapy, rather than being prevalent in their initial experiences.