Which strategy is best for clients who hear voices?

• A. Avoid certain situations
• B. Smoke more cigarettes
• C. Decrease caffeine use
• D. Take more medication

Answer: (A)

Hearing voices is often influenced by stress and environmental triggers, so a practical approach is to identify and avoid situations that provoke or worsen the voices. By reducing exposure to these triggers, the client experiences less distress and can more effectively use coping skills, stay grounded, and participate in treatment. This proactive strategy supports safety and daily functioning while the treatment team works on long-term management. Other options—smoking more, increasing caffeine, or changing medications without medical guidance—can worsen symptoms or create additional risks, so they aren’t the preferred approach.