When a person in crisis is having trouble opening up at the start of the conversation, which of the following is the best crisis counselor response that will help create a connection and encourage the person’s engagement? Select one answer.

Question

“Whatever is going on, I’m sure I’ve heard it before. You don’t need to worry.”

“It seems like you’re not feeling very ready to talk? You can call back later, if you want, when you feel ready to talk about what’s going on.”

“Whenever you’re ready, you can go ahead. I’m listening.”

“It can be hard to know where to start. Some people find it helpful to just start with what’s most on their mind right now.”

Answer 1

The best crisis counselor response that will help create a connection and encourage the person’s engagement is:

“It can be hard to know where to start. Some people find it helpful to just start with what’s most on their mind right now.”

This response acknowledges the difficulty the person may be experiencing and gives them a gentle prompt to begin sharing without pressure. It validates their feelings and offers a clear and supportive path for engagement.