In screening for a counseling group, which client would be the poorest choice for a group member?

• A. An extremely hostile and belligerent construction worker.
• B. A shy librarian.
• C. An anxious salesman with no group experience.
• D. A student with 16 hours toward her M.Ed in counseling.

Answer: (A)

In screening a counseling group, the priority is safety and the ability to participate constructively within a group norms framework. The person described as extremely hostile and belligerent poses the biggest risk to the group's climate: their aggression can intimidate others, derail discussions, breach confidentiality, and create a volatile, unsafe environment. Even if they have experiences that could contribute, the potential for disruption far outweighs the benefits, making them the poorest fit for a group setting.

The shy librarian, while requiring a supportive pace and encouragement to participate, can still engage and grow within a structured group. The anxious salesman with no prior group experience can benefit from orientation and clear guidelines, and may learn to participate adaptively with the right facilitation. The student pursuing an advanced counseling degree suggests motivation and some professional grounding, which supports capacity to contribute and adhere to group norms.