What is considered a reasonable action for a counselor when faced with a threat of violence from a client?

• A. Discussing the incident with coworkers
• B. Ensuring the safety of potential victims and contacting law enforcement
• C. Advising the client to seek anger management therapy
• D. Creating a safety plan with the client

Answer: (B)

When a counselor is faced with a threat of violence from a client, ensuring the safety of potential victims and contacting law enforcement is a crucial and appropriate course of action. This answer reflects the counselor's ethical obligation to protect both the client and any potential victims from harm.

Counselors have a duty of care to take immediate steps to mitigate any danger that could arise from a client's threats. This may involve assessing the immediacy and likelihood of the threat, determining the context, and then taking necessary steps to safeguard individuals who may be at risk. In situations where there is a credible threat of violence, it is paramount to involve law enforcement as they have the authority and resources to handle potentially violent situations.

While discussing the incident with coworkers may provide some level of support, it does not directly address the immediate risk posed by the threat. Advising the client to seek anger management therapy is a proactive measure for long-term change, but it does not address the urgent safety concerns. Similarly, creating a safety plan with the client might be useful in some contexts, but the primary responsibility lies in the immediate protection of potential victims, which necessitates contacting law enforcement. This focus on immediate risk management and safety is the cornerstone of effective counselor intervention in circumstances involving threats