A client who is participating in an anger management assignment asks to make a leather belt in occupational therapy. The client begins pounding the leather vigorously with a mallet to imprint designs on the belt. Which defense mechanism is the client using?

A. Regression involves reverting to behaviors from an earlier developmental stage, which is not demonstrated in this scenario. B. Suppression is the conscious decision to delay paying attention to a thought or feeling, which is not evident here. C. Compensation involves making up for a perceived deficiency by emphasizing another trait or skill, which does not apply to this situation. D. Sublimation is the process of channeling unacceptable impulses into socially acceptable activities. By vigorously working on the leather belt, the client is redirecting potentially aggressive energy into a constructive and creative outlet.