Lucinda is seeking help to determine whether she should remain in a stagnant relationship. Her counselor should:

• A. Encourage Lucinda to End the Relationship Immediately
• B. Tell Her to Stay in the Relationship Regardless
• C. Refer Her to a Support Group Without Counseling
• D. Help Lucinda Examine Her Options Carefully Before Making a Decision

Answer: (D)

Helping a client decide whether to stay in a stagnant relationship hinges on guiding self-exploration and decision-making, not giving directions. The counselor’s role is to support Lucinda in examining her options carefully, clarifying her values and needs, weighing the costs and benefits of staying versus leaving, considering potential outcomes, and outlining practical steps she could take. This collaborative process respects her autonomy and helps ensure any choice aligns with her well-being.

Options that push for an immediate end or for staying no matter what undermine Lucinda’s own process and values. Simply referring her to a support group without addressing her decision-making also misses the counselor’s primary task in this situation.