Discussion Questions
Chapter 11: Special Problems
1. What do you need to consider in the assessment process for a client who is being
treated for a dual diagnosis?
2. Anger and resentment are poison for chemically dependent individuals. What are the
steps you would take to assist an angry or resentful client in working on issues
pertaining to their anger?
3. Personality disorders are especially difficult to work with in a treatment setting. Of the
personality disorders described in the chapter, which ones do you believe would be the
most difficult to work with?
4. What are the dangers for clients who become romantically involved in treatment? How
would you work with those clients?
5. As per the book, many clients present to treatment have had losses in their life. What is
the difference between healthy grief and unhealthy grief?
6. An addiction counselor will often be working with angry clients, defensive clients, and
clients who even break treatment rules. Have you ever been mad or frustrated at
client’s actions? Discuss methods of keeping yourself calm and centered in this environ?