Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) Law and Ethics Practice Exam

A therapist should honor a client's self-determination in all of the following scenarios except:

1. When the client is in danger of harming himself.

2. When the client is in a domestic violence relationship.

3. When the therapist knows that a client's decision is going to cause the client additional problems.

4. When the client is gambling excessively despite lacking money for housing.

The correct answer is: When the client is in danger of harming himself.

The situation described involves understanding the balance between a therapist's ethical responsibility to support a client's autonomy and the duty to protect the client from harm. The correct answer highlights a scenario where the client's self-determination should not override the therapist's obligation to ensure safety. In circumstances where a client is in danger of harming themselves, the therapist has a legal and ethical responsibility to intervene. This intervention could involve seeking emergency services or facilitating a safety plan. Self-determination becomes a complex issue here because the therapist must prioritize the client's immediate safety over their autonomy in decision-making. In cases of domestic violence, while the client may wish to remain in the relationship, the therapist's role may include providing support and resources that empower the client to make informed decisions about their safety. It does not negate the therapist's responsibility to guide the client toward safer options. When a therapist believes that a client's decision will likely lead to further problems, it is critical for them to provide insight and support, but self-determination still remains a guiding principle. The therapist's role is to educate the client on potential consequences while allowing them to make their own choices. With excessive gambling impacting a client's ability to secure basic needs, a therapist would typically work with the client to address the underlying