What type of statement is "I want you to stop swearing or I will end this session"?

The statement "I want you to stop swearing or I will end this session" is a limit-setting statement. This type of statement is used to establish boundaries and communicate the consequences of not adhering to those boundaries. In a crisis intervention context, it is crucial for professionals to set limits to create a safe and productive environment for all parties involved.

By clearly indicating that swearing is unacceptable and that there will be a specific consequence (ending the session) if the behavior continues, the communicator is taking a firm stance that emphasizes the importance of maintaining respectful communication. Limit-setting statements can help de-escalate situations by providing clear expectations and allowing the individual to understand what behaviors are permissible, promoting accountability and mutual respect during the interaction.

Other types of statements serve different purposes. Directive statements typically instruct someone to take action, collaborative statements seek mutual agreement or involvement, and open-ended statements encourage discussion and exploration of thoughts or feelings. In this case, the focus on establishing a clear boundary and the specific consequence makes it a limit-setting statement.