Which is the correct sequence of the phases of the helping process?

• A. Engagement, exploration, assessment planning; Implementation and goal attainment; Evaluation and termination
• B. Engagement, exploration, assessment planning; Evaluation and termination; Implementation
• C. Exploration, engagement, assessment planning; Implementation and goal attainment; Evaluation and termination
• D. Exploration, engagement, assessment planning; Evaluation and termination; Implementation

Answer: (C)

The sequence tested emphasizes a logical, client-centered flow: first explore the client’s situation to gain a broad understanding, then engage to build a collaborative relationship, followed by assessment planning to decide what information and goals to address. With that foundation, you move into implementation and actively work toward specified goals, and then you evaluate progress and terminate when appropriate.

Starting with exploration helps you gather context and needs without prematurely narrowing the focus. Engaging after exploring ensures rapport and mutual consent are built on informed understandings. Assessment planning follows to translate what you’ve learned into concrete information to gather and clear goal directions. Implementing the plan and aiming for concrete gains—goal attainment—flows naturally from that planning. Finally, evaluation checks whether the goals were met and informs any next steps or termination of services.

The other sequences disrupt this logical flow: evaluation before implementation doesn’t provide meaningful data about intervention impact, and placing engagement after exploration is less typical for establishing a collaborative relationship.