Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

A client recently diagnosed with AIDS will likely require counseling primarily focused on what aspect?

1. Counseling on death and dying

2. Guiding him on resolving issues with friends and family

3. Focusing on cognitive skills for control

4. Crisis intervention to manage fear and apprehension

The correct answer is: Crisis intervention to manage fear and apprehension

In the context of a client diagnosed with AIDS, the need for crisis intervention to manage fear and apprehension is paramount. A diagnosis of AIDS can evoke intense emotional responses, including fear of mortality, uncertainty about the future, and apprehension regarding health, relationships, and societal stigma. Crisis intervention strategies aim to provide immediate support and stabilize a client's emotional state, helping them navigate these complex feelings. This type of counseling can assist the client in processing their diagnosis, managing their anxieties, and developing coping strategies to face the challenges ahead. The immediate focus is often on alleviating distress and helping the client regain a sense of control over their situation. While counseling on death and dying is an important theme that may come up later in therapy, especially as the disease progresses, the initial response should prioritize crisis intervention to address the acute emotional turmoil triggered by the diagnosis. Likewise, while guiding the client on resolving issues with friends and family and focusing on cognitive skills could be beneficial, these aspects typically follow initial crisis support, when the individual is more stabilized and ready to engage in deeper therapeutic work.