In working with caseworkers, social workers and therapists through the years I have seen so many who put so much energy into determining what the client "should" do. They are heavily invested in controlling the client's behavior and in "helping" them avoid making mistakes.
An example would be a client with a history of choosing very controlling men in her relationships who is picking out yet another man who appears to have control issues. I think it is important for helping professionals to remember that clients have a right to make mistakes, just like the rest of us. Some of my most important life lessons have been learned from making mistakes. And sometimes I need to try this "thing", whatever it is, just one more time to really get clear in my mind that this just not work. I think of it as a science experiment. I have to run this experiment just one more time to determine whether or not this coping mechanism I have developed truly is flawed. Only then can I truly let go of it completely and for good.
Obviously, if a client is trying to do something while might result in severe harm or death we have to intervene more strongly. That is not what I'm talking about. I'm talking about the everyday decisions we all make, some good, some bad.
If they ask for your opinion, give it, but then let them go. Stop trying to control them. Stop taking responsibility for their behavior and decisions. Let them live. Let them learn.
And ask yourself why you need to control them? If the client repeats the same behavior again does that mean you have failed? Does it say something about your skills as a counselor? Are you truly doing what is best for them and honoring their right to self government or are you more invested in how you will appear as a therapist?