Question

Someone makes a threat in therapy to an identifiable victim. What should the therapist do next?

1) Report the threat to the appropriate authorities
2) Confront the person making the threat
3) Ignore the threat and continue with therapy
4) Discuss the threat with the victim

Answer 1

A therapist should promptly report a threat made in therapy to an identifiable victim to the appropriate authorities, and then take additional steps such as warning the victim if necessary, while adhering to the legal and ethical guidelines.

Step-by-step explanation:

If someone makes a threat in therapy to an identifiable victim, the therapist is typically legally and ethically obligated to take certain steps to prevent harm. Firstly, the therapist should report the threat to the appropriate authorities. This action is guided by the duty to warn and protect, as explained in the legal precedent set by Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California. The therapist should then document the threat, seek consultation if necessary, and potentially take steps to warn the victim if the threat is perceived as serious and imminent.

Confronting the person making the threat might be part of the therapeutic process, but is not the immediate action necessary for ensuring safety. Ignoring the threat and continuing with therapy without addressing it could result in legal and ethical violations, let alone potential harm. Discussing the threat with the victim may be needed if the therapist assesses that such a warning is necessary to prevent harm, but only after consulting with legal and ethical guidelines and possibly after informing law enforcement.

All decisions and actions taken should prioritize the safety of all individuals involved and comply with local laws and professional ethical guidelines.