Which statement best reflects the wellness perspective's view of counseling outcomes?

• A. Success is primarily symptom relief
• B. Success is optimizing functioning and health
• C. Success is the number of sessions completed
• D. Success is avoiding any risk

Answer: (B)

The wellness perspective defines success by overall health and functioning, not just the absence of symptoms. In this view, counseling aims to enhance a person’s ability to live well across daily life, relationships, work, and physical health. Outcomes are measured by improved functioning, resilience, coping skills, and quality of life, along with healthier habits and well-being, rather than solely by reducing symptoms or stopping risk. So the best statement is that success means optimizing functioning and health.

The other ideas miss the broader aim: focusing only on symptom relief reflects a more medical or deficit-focused view, counting sessions completed is a process measure, and avoiding risk centers on safety rather than overall well-being and functioning.