Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) Practice Exam

In Solution-Focused Therapy, what term describes a client who identifies a problem but is not focused on a solution?

1. Complainant

2. Collaborator

3. Conductor

4. Receiver

The correct answer is: Complainant

In Solution-Focused Therapy, the term that describes a client who identifies a problem but does not focus on a solution is "complainant." This term reflects a client's stance in therapy where they may express dissatisfaction or concern regarding their situation or issues but may not actively engage in exploring or formulating potential solutions. The role of the complainant is significant within the therapeutic context, as it helps the therapist to understand the client's perspective and to eventually guide them toward a more solution-oriented mindset. In contrast, the other roles describe different levels of engagement in the therapeutic process. A collaborator is actively involved in the treatment, working together with the therapist to find solutions. A conductor, while not a standard term in this context, might imply someone who coordinates efforts but doesn't directly relate to the client-therapist dynamic in solution-focused therapy. A receiver generally refers to someone who is passively absorbing information rather than participating in the problem-solving process. Thus, identifying the complainant correctly illustrates the essence of a client who is more problem-centered without advancing toward solution-focused strategies.