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

How should a therapist react when an elderly client refuses a life-prolonging medical procedure but is mentally competent and happy?

1. Respect the client's right to self-determination

2. Discuss the consequences of her decision

3. Agree to let the family make the choice for her

4. Determine whether the family's decision is ethical

The correct answer is: Respect the client's right to self-determination

The appropriate response in this scenario is to respect the client's right to self-determination. In the field of therapy and ethics, it is crucial to honor an individual’s autonomy, especially when that individual demonstrates mental competence and expresses happiness with their current situation. This principle is rooted in respecting personal values and beliefs, allowing clients to make informed choices regarding their own lives, including medical decisions. When clients are deemed mentally competent, they have the legal and ethical right to make choices that align with their interests, even if those decisions may not conform to normative expectations or the desires of their family members or healthcare providers. By respecting the client’s autonomy, a therapist acknowledges the importance of personal agency in therapeutic relationships, reinforcing the client's sense of control over their own life. While discussing the consequences of a decision or evaluating family influences are important aspects of clinical practice, these actions should be secondary to honoring the client’s autonomy. The therapist's role is not to override the client’s wishes or facilitate family involvement without the client's consent but rather to support the client’s ability to choose. This respect for self-determination is fundamental to ethical practice in marriage and family therapy.