In the Six Stages of Counseling, which stage comes first?

• A. Assessment and diagnosis
• B. Formulation of counseling goals
• C. Relationship building
• D. Intervention and problem-solving

Answer: (C)

Establishing rapport and a strong therapeutic alliance is the first stage because counseling works best when the client feels safe, understood, and willing to share. Building trust through empathy, warmth, and clear boundaries invites honest communication and helps address any fears about confidentiality or judgment. This foundation makes it possible to gather accurate information, which is needed for assessment, diagnosis, and planning. If you start with assessment or goal setting without a solid relationship, clients are more likely to hold back, feel misunderstood, or disengage, making subsequent work less effective. The relationship is the groundwork that supports meaningful assessment, collaborative goal formulation, and successful intervention.