The objective of this research was to create a general computer program which simulates client behavior in an initial counseling interview. Through interaction with the counselor, a programmed client progresses toward the goal of verbalizing a special problem statement. Client movement is a function of the simulated variables: threat value of counselor and client statements, strength of the relationship, and an index of counselor competence. The simulation project is valuable as a means of training and evaluation in counselor education and in studying counselor cognitive processes. It also provides an opportunity to test the sufficiency of an explicit set of theoretical constructs for explaining client behavior. (Author/LAA)