I'd agree with that.

And that's why I never understood the 'drill sergeant mentality' some trainers have even with new clients.

I think that does work with some people... and this is probably is going off topic but it's the mindset between someone who wants to lose 10-15lbs to look better in a swimsuit than the person who's obese or very overweight... for the latter, the PT probably also gets put i the role of therapist... as opposed to PUSH IT LOVE THE PAIN JUS DO IT...

Every person is unique in what they respond to -- heck on any given day I might respond differently to different behavior...

Again, I completely agree.

There is no set right or wrong approach for subclassifications of the population. I've witnessed that personally.

That doesn't change the fact that there are many trainers who default to the 'drill sergeant mode' regardless.

That's stupid.

And to add to the direct response, most trainers aren't equipped, nor should they be training obese people.

And in reality, most aren't IME.

There is a technique for treating people who are not motivated to quit abusing drugs/alcohol called Motivational Interviewing. Has anyone heard of it? I think it would be really useful for weight loss/exercise beginners.

Yup, and you're right. MI can come in handy with some.