If a client holds an alloplastic viewpoint, he may believe the counselor is simply

• A. Healing the system
• B. Praising the system
• C. Avoiding the system
• D. Attacking the system

Answer: (D)

Alloplastic change is about altering the external environment rather than changing the self. When a client holds this view, distress is seen as arising from outside factors in the system, so they expect the counselor to act on those external forces to fix the problem. In that frame, the counselor is perceived as someone who is trying to change or even attack the system around the client, rather than helping the client adjust internally or develop new coping within themselves. That’s why the idea of the counselor simply attacking the system best fits this viewpoint.