ASWB Clinical Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

The scenario where a client is referred by another person does not inherently signify resistance. Referrals often reflect a trust in the process or an acknowledgment of the client's need for help, rather than an indication of reluctance or unwillingness to engage in treatment.

In contrast, the other options serve as classic indicators of resistance. When a client engages in small talk about irrelevant topics, it can suggest avoidance of deeper issues they may not be ready to confront, which is a common form of resistance. Similarly, limiting the amount of information shared can indicate an unwillingness to engage fully in the therapeutic process, reflecting apprehension or discomfort. A client who remains silent during appointments may also be demonstrating resistance, as their lack of communication can signify an inability or unwillingness to engage with the therapeutic dialogue.

Thus, the referral by another person is not an expression of resistance but rather an opportunity for the client to begin the therapeutic journey.