According to Baca & Koss-Chioino, in Hispanic/Latino groups, counselors should generally be

• A. quiet
• B. active
• C. deferring
• D. neutral

Answer: (B)

An active, directive counseling stance is most effective with Hispanic/Latino clients. Baca and Koss-Chioino emphasize that counselors should take initiative in sessions—guiding the discussion, asking concrete questions, and offering clear strategies and feedback. This level of engagement helps create structure, clarifies goals, and provides the practical support that many clients expect from a therapeutic process, which can foster trust and participation in change.

Being quiet would risk leaving important issues unaddressed and may feel less supportive of client needs in this cultural context. Deferring to the client can obscure the counselor’s role in problem-solving, and neutrality can come across as emotionally distant. In contrast, an active approach aligns with how many Hispanic/Latino communities view the counselor as a knowledgeable partner who helps move things forward while remaining respectful and culturally sensitive.