Research on interpersonal influence within counseling psychology has focused primarily on the characteristics of the counselor. There is a need to study the role of client characteristics in resistance or noncompliance. A review of the literature indicates that most client characteristics associated with noncompliance in therapy can be narrowed into five major categories. One type of noncompliance relates to a client's lack of cognitive, interpersonal, or behavioral skills that may limit potential ability to deal with counselor requests. Another variable is client expectations concerning the effectiveness and length of treatment. A third variable which may be related to both maintaining problem behavior and developing new coping responses is the client's support system. Certain fixed modes of thinking or behaving with which clients begin therapy appear particularly resistant to change and may help them defend against having to cope successfully. And finally, demographic variables such as social class also can influence clients' resistance. The unique skills and abilities which the client brings into the counseling relationship represent two broad categories: intrapersonal skills, mobilized to enhance one's sense of self-efficacy and mastery; and interpersonal skills, used in interacting with others. Both inter- and intrapersonal skills are needed to prevent a stressful event, limit an event in progress, or adjust to the effects of the event. Treatment compliance will be enhanced if the counselor is aware of the client's level of coping and the skills the client needs to enjoy a sense of mastery and competence. (JAC)