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

How should a therapist respond to a 17-year-old client conflicted about pregnancy when they have personal beliefs against abortion?

1. Seek immediate consultation to discuss the matter and determine if a referral is needed

2. Seek consultation and refer the client to prenatal services

3. Encourage the client to include her boyfriend in making a decision

4. Share the therapist's personal beliefs and process how it affects the client

The correct answer is: Seek immediate consultation to discuss the matter and determine if a referral is needed

The correct response involves seeking immediate consultation to discuss the matter and determine if a referral is needed. This approach highlights the therapist's commitment to providing care that prioritizes the client's needs and circumstances over personal beliefs. Consulting with supervisors or colleagues allows the therapist to gain different perspectives and ensure that any actions taken are in the best interest of the client, while also addressing any potential biases that may affect their therapeutic stance. This response recognizes the importance of maintaining professional boundaries and neutrality, especially in sensitive situations like a teenager's unplanned pregnancy. It also supports ethical practice by ensuring that the therapist does not impose personal beliefs on the client, which could hinder the therapeutic relationship and the client's ability to explore their options thoroughly. Involving other professionals or resources can lead to a more comprehensive support system for the client. The other options do not adequately align with ethical guidelines. For instance, seeking consultation and referring the client to prenatal services could be valuable, but it might not provide the immediate support the client needs to process her conflicting feelings. Encouraging the client to include her boyfriend in the decision-making process might not be appropriate given the situation, as it doesn't directly address the client's autonomy or the complexities of the decision she is facing. Lastly, sharing personal beliefs risks shifting the