Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

If a client abruptly decides to end their sessions after a counselor’s vacation, what should the counselor consider first?

1. Respect her decision to terminate

2. Determine if vacation caused any frustrations

3. Refer her to another counselor

4. Ask her to reconsider her decision

The correct answer is: Determine if vacation caused any frustrations

The most appropriate first consideration for the counselor in this situation is to determine if the vacation caused any frustrations. Understanding any potential frustrations the client may have experienced during the counselor's absence can provide insight into their abrupt decision to terminate sessions. A client's decision to end therapy can often be influenced by more than just their feelings about counseling itself. If the vacation created disruptions or left the client feeling abandoned, those emotions might need to be addressed before any decisions about termination can be made. By exploring the reason behind the client's decision, the counselor can gauge whether it's a temporary response to the absence or a more substantial discontentment with the therapeutic process. This approach also opens the door for further discussion about the therapeutic relationship and helps the counselor evaluate whether the client’s needs are being met. Engaging with the client in this way can reinforce feelings of validation and support, fostering an environment in which the client may feel safe to explore their motivations for leaving therapy.