If a client arrives angry because the therapist is consistently running late, the client's anger could be considered...

• A. Always justified
• B. A justified reaction
• C. An unrelated emotion
• D. A justifiable reaction

Answer: (D)

When a client reacts with anger because the therapist is consistently running late, the reaction is understandable and appropriate given the situation. The client has a reasonable expectation that sessions begin on time, and repeated delays can feel disrespectful and undermine the sense of safety and reliability that therapy depends on. Labeling the anger as a justifiable reaction recognizes that the emotion is a rational response to a real boundary being crossed. It reflects the client’s attempt to protect their time and needs within the therapeutic relationship.

This isn’t about universal truth that anger is always justified in every context, but about the specific circumstance: punctuality matters in establishing trust and structure. The emotion is connected to the experience, not random or unrelated. Acknowledging it as justifiable helps validate the client and opens space to discuss boundaries and potential solutions with the therapist.