Law and Ethics Practice Exam

How should a therapist address the legal issues when a client shares feelings of guilt about previously locking her aggressive mother in her bedroom?

1. File an abuse report with Adult Protective Services and document in file.

2. Assess for child abuse.

3. Acknowledge her feelings of shame.

4. Refer her to a grief support group.

The correct answer is: Acknowledge her feelings of shame.

In this scenario, acknowledging the client's feelings of shame is essential for several reasons. First, it helps establish a therapeutic rapport and trust, allowing the client to express her emotions without fear of judgment. Recognizing and validating these feelings can help the client process her emotions more effectively, promoting healing and self-acceptance. It is also important to understand the complexity of the situation. The client may wrestle with conflicting emotions about her actions towards her mother, which may be a reflection of broader issues such as familial relationships, personal boundaries, and self-perception. By providing a safe space for the client to articulate her shame and guilt, the therapist encourages self-exploration and reflection, which are crucial components of the therapeutic process. Addressing feelings of guilt and shame can also help the client to differentiate between healthy boundaries and abusive situations, thus facilitating a deeper understanding of her own needs and experiences. This acknowledgment is vital in helping clients work through their emotions and develop strategies for coping and understanding their personal circumstances. In contrast, taking actions such as filing abuse reports or assessing for child abuse may not be appropriate without first understanding the full context of the client's feelings and situation. Those actions may be relevant under different circumstances, but initiating them prematurely can disrupt the therapeutic relationship