Alcohol and Drug Counselor Exam Practice Questions 2025 – Your Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

A self-righteous client is often characterized by a defensive stance in discussions, primarily because they hold firm to their beliefs and judgments about themselves and their situation. This defensiveness can manifest as an unwillingness to accept criticism or suggestions, leading to a perceived righteousness about their choices or behaviors.

While they may believe that they are correct in their reasoning or decisions, this mindset can hinder the therapeutic process since they may resist engaging with alternative perspectives or acknowledging areas for improvement. The inability to be open to feedback is indicative of this self-righteous posture, significantly affecting the client’s progress in counseling. Being defensive often leads to conflicts in therapy, making it more challenging for counselors to guide them toward self-reflection and growth.

In contrast, the other options—such as being open to feedback, empathetic toward others, or noncombative—depict qualities that suggest a willingness to engage constructively in the therapeutic process, which is typically not characteristic of a self-righteous client. These traits would facilitate communication and understanding, which are lacking in clients who primarily exhibit self-righteousness. Thus, identifying defensiveness as a primary characteristic highlights the unique challenges counselors may face while working with such clients.