A recently divorced woman says she won't date again and has two children. Which response would be therapeutic?

• A. Replace your thoughts with dating.
• B. It's time to move on without discussing feelings.
• C. You talk about how the divorces affected you. Tell me how your children are dealing with the loss.
• D. This will pass with time.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is using therapeutic communication that validates feelings and invites exploration of both personal grief and how the family is coping after divorce. The chosen response best fits because it invites the woman to express how the divorce affected her and then asks how her children are dealing with the loss, showing empathy and a focus on processing emotions and family dynamics. This approach supports emotional expression, helps assess coping and potential needs, and addresses the impact on children, which is crucial after divorce. The other options push quick fixes, dismiss feelings, or minimize distress, which can shut down discussion and overlook the realities of grieving and family adjustment.