What happens during the phase known as "confrontation" in counseling?

During the confrontation phase in counseling, the focus is on challenging the client's irrational beliefs and behaviors. This phase is a crucial part of the therapeutic process, as it encourages clients to examine and reflect on their thought patterns, which may be contributing to negative behaviors or emotional distress.

Challenging irrational beliefs involves helping the client recognize discrepancies between their thoughts and reality. This can lead to greater self-awareness and insight, which are essential for personal growth and change. By confronting these beliefs, clients can be guided to develop healthier cognitive styles, recognize faulty reasoning, and ultimately reshape their understanding of their circumstances and choices.

The other options, while important aspects of counseling, do not specifically capture the essence of the confrontation phase. Feeling supported, receiving validation for feelings, or being praised are aspects of building rapport and encouraging positive behaviors, but they do not encompass the direct challenge to irrational beliefs that defines confrontation in this context.