Which action should you prioritize during a session with a client?

Prioritizing client safety during a session is paramount in any therapeutic or support context. Ensuring that the client remains safe allows for an environment where learning and growth can occur without the risk of injury, emotional distress, or any other harm. Safety encompasses both physical and emotional aspects; thus, it includes monitoring the environment for hazards, ensuring that the client is not engaging in self-injurious behavior, and providing supportive interventions in case of emotional or behavioral crises.

When safety is compromised, the effectiveness of the session diminishes, as the client may be unable to focus or engage meaningfully. Once safety is confirmed, practitioners can effectively implement other important strategies such as promoting independence, documenting behaviors for progress tracking, and managing breaks appropriately, all of which contribute to a successful therapeutic experience.

Recognizing that the well-being and protection of the client must always take precedence sets a solid foundation for all other goals and objectives during sessions.