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

How is "coercion" characterized in a therapeutic context?

1. A therapist providing voluntary support

2. When clients feel empowered to make choices

3. When a therapist applies pressure for a decision

4. Allowing clients full autonomy over their choices

The correct answer is: When a therapist applies pressure for a decision

In the therapeutic context, coercion is specifically characterized as a situation in which a therapist applies pressure for a decision. This could involve a therapist unduly influencing a client’s choices or creating an environment where the client feels they have no real option but to comply with the therapist's demands. Coercion undermines the core values of therapy, which are founded on trust, respect, and the empowerment of clients to make their own decisions regarding their mental health and well-being. The essence of therapy is to facilitate healing and growth through collaboration, allowing clients to explore their feelings and make informed choices without undue influence. On the other hand, providing voluntary support, allowing clients to feel empowered, and ensuring full autonomy are foundational elements of ethical practice in therapy. They highlight the significance of client agency, which stands in contrast to coercive practices that can lead to harm or a breakdown of the client-therapist relationship. Thus, applying pressure for decision-making is a clear violation of ethical standards and therapeutic principles.