Question

Joe, age 13, has been acting out since his mother moved her boyfriend into the house a few months ago. Marge is angry with his reaction since she has been divorced for five years and thinks that she has a right to a life of her own. Joe has indicated that he feels misplaced by her boyfriend and wants to live with his father. Marge and Joe came to the counseling center to deal with her frustration and guilt regarding the situation. It would be best to start with which of the following?

A. Act as a mediator, giving each of them a chance to share their thoughts, and seeking empathy from both sides so a decision can be made for the benefit of all concerned.
B. Talk to the mother about her selfishness concerning meeting her own needs at the expense of her son’s feelings.
C. Self-disclose an experience in which you had to make a decision that produced frustration and guilt.
D. Confront Joe about his acting-out behavior and ask what he might do to make the situation with his mother healthier.

Answer 1

I agree with kellis20 the answer would be A (I know because I have taken a quiz with this question)

Answer 2

A, because you need to let them guide their own course of therapy and be able to talk freely without judgement or blaming. The other options single out one person or neither, but A gives them both equal opportunity to address the problems they face, how they’re feeling, and their own possible wrong doing in the situation.