During the first phase of counseling, it is typical for the client to be silent for brief periods of time, therefore, you do not need to intercede and break up a silence. However, these long periods of silence can lead to making the client feel more anxious or as though you are not interested. One way to get your client to open up is to ask him why he is silent. If he appears to be emotionally overwhelmed, ask him what his feelings are at the moment. If the client continues to be hostile or resistant to your questioning, directly address the situation with a statement such as "Right now I am feeling that neither you nor I am comfortable with this silence. Tell me what you are feeling right now if that would be beneficial, otherwise, I am fine with waiting." If the client is just passively refusing to be a part of the changing process, it may help to clear up the expectations and ideas the client has towards the treatment, or directly discussing any negative or unclear thoughts he may have towards receiving help, and then clearly explain what will happen to address his needs throughout the counseling procedure.