A client from lower social class may feel that they will end up as losers dealing with a counselor from a higher social class.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only sometimes
• D. Not mentioned

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that social class differences can shape how a client experiences the counseling relationship. A client from a lower social class might worry that the counselor’s higher status—often linked to education, income, language, and cultural norms—could make them feel judged, patronized, or like they’ll be seen as a failure. This fear can influence how openly they engage, what they disclose, and how much trust they place in the therapist.

Understanding this helps because it highlights why the alliance matters: the client’s sense of safety and equality in the relationship is crucial for effective work. A counselor can address it by showing genuine respect, inviting the client to share their perspective, and partnering in goal-setting in a nonjudgmental, collaborative way. Validating the client’s lived experience and avoiding assumptions about competence or worth based on class helps counteract power imbalances and fosters a stronger therapeutic connection. While not every client will feel this way, the possibility is real and important to acknowledge.