Which approach is most therapeutic when a client expresses anger about a late medical diagnosis?

Which approach is most therapeutic when a client expresses anger about a late medical diagnosis?

• A. Deny the anger.
• B. Blame others.
• C. Acknowledge the anger and explore underlying feelings.
• D. Tell them to get over it.

Answer: (C)

When a client expresses anger about a late medical diagnosis, the most therapeutic move is to acknowledge the anger and explore the underlying feelings. Validating the emotion communicates empathy and safety, helping the client feel heard and lowering defenses. Anger often signals grief, fear, loss of control, or disappointment about what the diagnosis means for the future. By naming and exploring these associated emotions—such as sadness, fear, frustration with the situation, or a sense of injustice—the clinician helps the client process the experience rather than just vent. This approach also strengthens the therapeutic alliance and opens a path to discussing coping strategies, preferences, and next steps with more clarity and agency. Denying the anger dismisses the emotion and stifles honest processing. Blaming others shifts responsibility and can heighten defensiveness and conflict. Telling someone to get over it minimizes their experience and may discourage ongoing engagement in treatment or support.

When a client expresses anger about a late medical diagnosis, the most therapeutic move is to acknowledge the anger and explore the underlying feelings. Validating the emotion communicates empathy and safety, helping the client feel heard and lowering defenses. Anger often signals grief, fear, loss of control, or disappointment about what the diagnosis means for the future. By naming and exploring these associated emotions—such as sadness, fear, frustration with the situation, or a sense of injustice—the clinician helps the client process the experience rather than just vent. This approach also strengthens the therapeutic alliance and opens a path to discussing coping strategies, preferences, and next steps with more clarity and agency.

Denying the anger dismisses the emotion and stifles honest processing. Blaming others shifts responsibility and can heighten defensiveness and conflict. Telling someone to get over it minimizes their experience and may discourage ongoing engagement in treatment or support.