Which term describes a persistent thought that a client feels compelled to suppress or ignore?

The term that describes a persistent thought that a client feels compelled to suppress or ignore is "obsession." In the context of mental health, an obsession refers to unwanted, intrusive thoughts that can cause significant anxiety or distress. Individuals experiencing obsessions often feel that they cannot control these thoughts, and they may engage in various behaviors to try to alleviate the discomfort caused by them.

Obsessions play a key role in conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), where they can lead to compulsive behaviors, but the essential characteristic is the nature of the thought itself—persistent, unwanted, and anxiety-provoking. The attempt to ignore or suppress these intrusive thoughts often exacerbates the anxiety, making it even more difficult for the individual to achieve relief.

Understanding this concept is crucial for therapy, as mental health professionals can target these thoughts and develop strategies to help clients manage the anxiety associated with them.