What term refers to a client's willingness to participate in services, including nonverbal cues?

The term that describes a client's willingness to participate in services, including nonverbal cues, is "assent." Assent goes beyond mere verbal agreement; it acknowledges the importance of a client's overall willingness, which can be communicated through both verbal expressions and nonverbal behaviors, such as body language or facial expressions. In contexts like therapy or behavioral services, it's crucial to consider assent, particularly when working with clients who may have difficulty articulating their consent verbally but still demonstrate a readiness to engage in the process.

In contrast, consent generally emphasizes legal and explicit agreement, often in formal contexts where specific permissions are granted. Precursor refers to initial indicators or behaviors leading up to a specific behavior and does not encompass the broader willingness to participate. Withdrawal indicates a client's decision to discontinue services, hence it doesn’t relate to their willingness or readiness to engage. Understanding assent is vital for practitioners to ensure they respect clients' rights and preferences while fostering an effective therapeutic relationship.