Exercise: Can You Identify Client Preferences?

Let’s check your understanding and see how you do at identifying the following client statements. Match each group of statements with the appropriate function pair.

A = ST, B = SF, C = NF, D = NT

––––– 1. “I need to know that the person talking to me has my best interests at heart.”
“I need someone to spend time with me talking over the treatment options and possible long-term outcomes.”
“I want to be confident in the treatment that is recommended and understand why it has been chosen.”

––––– 2. “I just want the facts, as much information as I can take in.”
“I don’t want a lot of sentiment or personal stuff.”
“I want to know the pros and cons from someone who really knows what they are talking about.”

––––– 3. “ I need to know the reason for the recommended treatment, the full extent of its effect, both good and bad. I’m not just going to act on faith on this.”
“I want someone I respect to give me the information, but not necessarily all the details.”
“I need to be confident in their competence. If I have it, I’ll pretty much do what I’m told.”

––––– 4. “ I need to trust the person who is providing the information and have confidence in them.”
“I want individual attention and the other person’s full concentration. And I don’t want a whole lot of wild options and alternatives.”
“I like to be channeled into the right solution.”

(Answers: 1. C; 2. A; 3. D; 4. B)