Law and Ethics Practice Exam

How should a therapist handle a client seeking therapy to cope with their partner's infidelity?

1. Immediately start couples therapy.

2. Encourage the client to consider their own feelings first.

3. Help the client focus on their partner's motivations.

4. Conduct a group therapy session for support.

The correct answer is: Encourage the client to consider their own feelings first.

In situations where a client is seeking therapy to cope with their partner's infidelity, prioritizing the client's own feelings is crucial. This approach allows the client to process their emotions, understand their needs, and gain clarity about their situation. By encouraging the client to reflect on their feelings, the therapist fosters self-awareness and empowerment, which can lead to healthier decisions regarding their relationship. Addressing one's own feelings is essential before considering couples therapy, as it can help the client articulate their concerns and expectations if they choose to engage in discussions with their partner later. This method ensures that the therapy is client-centered and responsive to their unique emotional experience. Other approaches, such as jumping into couples therapy without the client first understanding their feelings, could overlook the individual’s emotional well-being and complexity of the situation. Additionally, focusing solely on the partner’s motivations may shift the attention away from the client's needs, while conducting a group therapy session may not provide the individualized support necessary in such a personal and sensitive scenario. Prioritizing the client's feelings sets a solid foundation for any potential further steps in treatment, be it individual or couples therapy.