Verbal communication is the currency of counseling and must be optimized even if the client has to be encouraged to enter discourse.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Cannot be determined
• D. Not applicable

Answer: (A)

Verbal interaction is the primary vehicle for exploring and resolving issues in counseling. The therapist uses verbal skills—open-ended questions, reflective listening, paraphrasing, and summaries—to help clients articulate thoughts and feelings, gain insight, and set goals. When a client is hesitant, the counselor deliberately invites and encourages discourse, because increasing meaningful talk typically enhances engagement, clarifies concerns, and builds the therapeutic alliance. Although nonverbal cues and the relationship matter, the substance and direction of therapy come from what is spoken, so optimizing verbal communication is essential and aligns with effective practice. The other choices imply impossibility or irrelevance, which doesn’t fit clinical realities.