What might be a likely reason for a client's anger when their hand-washing ritual is interrupted?

The presence of overwhelming feelings of anxiety as a reason for a client's anger when their hand-washing ritual is interrupted is highly plausible. Rituals, such as hand-washing, can serve as coping mechanisms for individuals dealing with anxiety, especially in contexts where they may feel a lack of control or heightened stress. When such a ritual is disrupted, it can provoke feelings of distress or anger because it disrupts a source of stability for the client.

This anger can thus be interpreted as a reaction to the interruption of a comforting behavior that helps manage their anxiety, highlighting the significance of those rituals in providing a sense of safety and normalcy. The emotional response reflects the individual's internal struggles with anxiety, validating their experience and emphasizing the importance of understanding clients' coping mechanisms in therapeutic settings.