Hi Sean, I remember you from Dr. Reid's forum. So you would guide the client towards what you see as healthy behavior? I agree with your perspective. My issue is, as with any presenting problem, if the client continually comes to sesssions saying they want to fix something in their life, but fail to make an effort, or continue to engage in destructive behavior, then how am I helping that person, if all they do is use me as a sounding board? Again, it's not a cut and dried thing. I try to encapsulate my constructs in the interest of reasonably short posts. Certainly I would confront the client on what I see as incongruent behavior. Most likely, the client would at least consider that s/he has two alternatives. But if they were clear about "I'm going to continue an affair and help me figure out how to keep my spouse happy," I would have to give an "uiltimatum." Our agency has a policy that if a client discloses drug dependence at the intake interview, then they need to attend some sort of rehab treatment and present proof of attendance when they return. Perhaps that is an ultimatum, but if the client feels "given up on," it is their choice how to respond to that. The way I see it, clients make their own decisions (even in the case of suicide) and all we can do as helpers is give them alternatives and informed choices. I think this ended up being more appropriate for Legal and Ethical Issues, but oh, well.
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