When is confrontation probably last appropriate?

• A. After rapport has been established
• B. During screening
• C. During termination
• D. Prior to establishing rapport

Answer: (D)

Confrontation works best when there is a basic, working relationship with the client. It’s a careful, pointed challenge about discrepancies between what the client says and what they do, or about denial, and it can feel like an attack if there isn’t enough trust first. Building rapport creates a safe, collaborative environment where the client is more likely to hear and consider the reality you’re presenting rather than shutting down or becoming defensive. Because of that, the intervention is most effectively used after you’ve established some rapport and are in the working phase of treatment. Using confrontation too early—in screening or at the very beginning of the relationship—tends to provoke resistance and undermine progress, and even near termination it should be approached with sensitivity so the client remains engaged.