A 29-year-old female client with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is resistant to eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) because she has heard that past traumas must be re-experienced. She said she avoids thinking about the trauma and does not want to re-live it. What is the most appropriate response?

Choice A reason: This response is fear-based and could increase the client’s anxiety and resistance rather than foster understanding. Choice B reason: This is coercive and does not respect client autonomy, potentially reducing therapeutic engagement. Choice C reason: This is correct. It educates the client about the role of avoidance in maintaining PTSD symptoms, promoting insight and motivation for therapy without coercion. Choice D reason: While reassuring, this minimizes the client’s concerns and does not provide education about symptom maintenance or avoidance behaviors.