Which of the following actions of a social worker will reduce the level of threat perceived by an involuntary client and mitigate his or her defensiveness?​

A) ​Stating rigid views
B) ​Empathizing with the situation
C) ​Limiting self-exploration
D) ​Blaming those responsible for the client's referral

Empathizing with the situation of an involuntary client will reduce the level of perceived threat and mitigate defensiveness. This helps in establishing trust, rapport, and a positive working relationship between the social worker and client. Stating rigid views, limiting self-exploration, and blaming others will only increase the level of perceived threat and defensiveness in the client.