When trying to communicate with clients, oftentimes there are barriers that prevent effective communication. Nonverbal barriers include facial expressions, posture, voice, and physical proximity to the client, while verbal barriers include inherently destructive verbal responses and counterproductive patterns of communication.

Inherently destructive verbal responses can be divided into eight sub-categories:

1. Moralizing and sermonizing
2. Premature advice or solution giving
3. Persuading, judging, or criticizing
4. Inappropriate interpretation
5. Sympathizing, consoling, and excusing
6. Sarcasm
7. Inappropriate humor
8. Threatening or warning

Threatening and warning are both inherently destructive responses that should be steered clear of, as they cause the client to become rebellious, resistant, or to retaliate against the counselor. It may be difficult for the counselor to avoid these responses, as even the most experienced counselors can be goaded by pressure from the client - especially if the client is a delinquent adolescent. It is essential that the counselor learn how to control and curb his/or her negative feelings when dealing with clients, which can be done through mastering defensive reactions. It is important to note that threatening or warning statements are what the client receives from other sources, thus it is up to the counselor to provide empathic responses. Examples or statements that the counselor should avoid are "You need to do what I tell you to do, otherwise you will be sorry later", or "If you want to get out of this hospital, then you better go to your AA meetings."