Ambivalence by the client can be best handled by:

• A. providing a specific exercise program to follow
• B. exploring the reason for ambivalence through a series of questions
• C. setting goals for what the client wants to achieve
• D. urging the client to act now without addressing ambivalence

Answer: (B)

Ambivalence is a natural part of deciding to change, and the most effective way to handle it is to explore the client’s mixed feelings and underlying motivations with thoughtful questions. By asking open-ended questions, you invite the client to articulate what they would gain from changing and what they fear or worry about, which helps surface values, barriers, and priorities. This process fosters change talk, reduces resistance, and boosts readiness to act, all within a collaborative, nonjudgmental dialogue. Simply prescribing a workout plan can miss the pull of ambivalence, and setting goals or pushing for immediate action without addressing hesitations may lead to disengagement. Focusing on questions and reflective listening to navigate ambivalence aligns with how lasting behavior change is actually sparked.