ABSTRACT
Have you ever been to see a counselor? If you have, you are not alone. Millions of people visit these helping professionals each year to feel supported in their decisions, to learn about available resources, and to make life-affirming changes. Through a process of information exchange, counselors empower their clients to believe change is possible. As communication is the mechanism through which clients' needs are identified and counseling assistance is provided, counselors must carefully craft their messages. The content of each message needs to be meaningful for clients so that clients willingly develop their skills to work toward better health and wellness. At the same time, counselors know that equal importance is given to how communication messages are delivered. That is, how counselors speak with their clients can greatly affect their receptivity to treatment and whether clients decide to continue therapy or abandon it.
