What Did You Just Say: Confronting Prejudiced Comments Expressed by Clients/Students in Counseling Sessions

Counselors frequently encounter clients or students who make prejudiced comments during counseling sessions. These comments can range from seemingly innocent remarks rooted in ignorance to deeply hurtful statements deliberately intended to harm others. Allowing such comments to go unchallenged, regardless of intent, is unethical and poses risks to both the individuals holding these beliefs and those targeted by them. Despite the importance of addressing this issue, the counseling literature offers limited guidance on how to respond effectively. This article introduces the Validate, Challenge, Request (VCR) technique as a structured approach for addressing prejudiced comments in counseling sessions. It provides case examples, sample scripts, and prompts to illustrate the application of the VCR model with diverse client and student populations. Implications for counseling practice, training, and future research are discussed.