She has been divorced 10 years and is hoping for another relationship. When she came into a session right after Valentines Day, she asked: "Did you do anything special for Valentines Day?" Knowing that her loneliness is part of her depression, how should I have answered? Do you answer with the truth and risk making her feel worse? So you not answer and perhaps put a dent in the pretty good therapeutic relationship? Or turn it around and ask how she reacts to Valentines Day in her situation?
This scenario is not really an ETHICAL dilemma but it is a PRACTICE dilemma and I would like some feedback. I have been seeing a woman in her 50s for about six months. The focus of the work has been around sub-clinical depression, work stress, and relationships (or lack thereof).
She has been divorced 10 years and is hoping for another relationship. When she came into a session right after Valentines Day, she asked: "Did you do anything special for Valentines Day?" Knowing that her loneliness is part of her depression, how should I have answered? Do you answer with the truth and risk making her feel worse? So you not answer and perhaps put a dent in the pretty good therapeutic relationship? Or turn it around and ask how she reacts to Valentines Day in her situation?
2 Comments
jo anne
2/17/2012 12:59:45 am
since she initiated the question i would have answered her truthfully and then asked her what she did...since she initiated the question she may have initiated because she had something to share with you regarding what she did on valentine's day....if you are her therapist you should answer honestly which is the basis for a therapeutic relationship to begin with...since she initiated the question shows to me that you do have a therapuetic relationship to build upon, with your truthful answer you have relieved her anxiety and built further trust.
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Dr. D.
2/17/2012 07:55:43 am
Thanks for the thoughtful response. I do think it would be disrespectful NOT to answer her. I like what you pointed out...that answering her truthfully further builds trust.
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