What is an appropriate counselor response to a Marine expressing severe anxiety?

Acknowledging the feelings of a Marine expressing severe anxiety is crucial because it validates their experience and helps build trust between the counselor and the Marine. This response promotes an environment where the Marine feels safe to share their thoughts and emotions. By recognizing their anxiety, the counselor demonstrates empathy and understanding, which are essential components of effective counseling. This approach encourages open dialogue and allows for the exploration of coping strategies and further discussion on their feelings.

Redirecting the conversation can be useful to guide the Marine towards constructive topics or solutions, but it must be done thoughtfully. It’s important not to dismiss or undermine their feelings; instead, the counselor should provide a supportive response that acknowledges the anxiety while gently steering the conversation towards actionable steps or resources that can help.