SBT validates clients by respecting their concerns, acknowledging and accepting their opinions and feelings, and assuming that they are doing the best they can under the circumstances. Clients may be embarrassed by the problem or by their inability to resolve it—both of which create defensiveness and distract them from their goals. Validating clients’ struggles and perceptions frees them to devote their full attention and energy to reaching therapeutic goals rather than defending or justifying themselves to the therapist.