A client with an alcohol problem sober for 8 months asks the nurse, 'Do you think I should add individual therapy to my treatment plan?' Which response would be therapeutic?

• A. What do you think? What is the individual therapy all about?
• B. You should start therapy now.
• C. Individual therapy is not necessary if you stay sober.
• D. Therapy will control your life.

Answer: (A)

The situation tests using patient-centered, collaborative communication to explore the client’s perspective and readiness for additional treatment. The best response invites the client to express their own thoughts and questions about individual therapy, which helps build rapport, assess motivation, and tailor the plan to their goals.

Saying, “What do you think? What is the individual therapy all about?” shows respect for the client’s autonomy and encourages them to articulate their understanding, concerns, or expectations. This open-ended question also helps you gauge whether the client sees value in therapy, what skills they want to gain, and any barriers they foresee, which supports a shared decision-making approach essential for sustained recovery.

By contrast, telling the client to start therapy is directive and can provoke resistance; claiming therapy isn’t necessary if they stay sober discounts ongoing support needs; and suggesting therapy will control their life portrays therapy as an oppressive force and undermines the client’s sense of agency.