Final answer:
The best response when a patient inquires about a therapist's age is to maintain professional boundaries while redirecting the conversation towards the patient's needs and care.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a patient asks about a therapist's age, the best response is one that maintains professionalism while respecting the patient's curiosity. It is important for therapists to establish boundaries regarding personal information, but they can respond in a way that redirects the focus back to the patient's needs. A possible response could be, "I've had the necessary training and experience to assist you with your concerns. Let's focus on what brought you here and how I can help you today." This acknowledges the question without revealing personal details and steers the conversation back to the therapeutic process.