When addressing a client's alcohol issue, what should the counselor's initial goal be?

When addressing a client's alcohol issue, the counselor's initial goal should be to help the client take responsibility for his drinking behavior. This approach is crucial because taking personal responsibility is the foundation for meaningful change in behavior. Acknowledging one's own role in the problem allows the client to begin to understand the consequences of their actions and empowers them to make informed choices about their drinking.

By fostering a sense of ownership over their behavior, the counselor sets the stage for the client to engage actively in the recovery process and develop the motivation needed to seek help and make lifestyle changes. Helping clients recognize their own agency also supports the development of self-efficacy, which is vital to sustaining long-term recovery.

The other options, while they may be beneficial in certain contexts, do not directly address the immediate need for self-awareness and ownership of one's actions. Encouraging a spouse to attend counseling shifts the focus away from the client, while improving self-image or implementing behavioral interventions can be valuable later in treatment but should typically follow the initial step of taking responsibility for one's drinking behavior. It is this primary focus on accountability that lays the groundwork for effective therapeutic engagement and change.