Law and Ethics Practice Exam

How should a therapist handle a situation where a client is expressing discomfort around their partner's health disclosure?

1. Unwind the situation using humor to disarm tension

2. Talk to the client directly about their feelings regarding the matter

3. Encourage potential openness in disclosures between partners

4. Provide educational material on relationship dynamics

The correct answer is: Talk to the client directly about their feelings regarding the matter

Talking to the client directly about their feelings regarding the discomfort they are experiencing with their partner's health disclosure is essential in therapy. This approach fosters an open and safe environment for the client to express their emotions and concerns. By engaging in a dialogue about the client’s feelings, the therapist can validate those emotions and help the client explore any underlying issues, fears, or misconceptions related to the disclosure and its impact on the relationship. Addressing feelings directly allows the therapist to facilitate deeper understanding and processing of the situation, which is crucial for emotional well-being. This open communication can help the client articulate their needs, fears, or boundaries regarding disclosures and intimacy in their relationship. Ultimately, this approach supports the therapeutic goals of enhancing emotional health and improving communication skills within the relationship. While other options may also provide value in different contexts, directly addressing the client's feelings is a primary and necessary step in the therapeutic process to help clients navigate complex relationship dynamics.