Joe, Age 13, Has Been Acting Out Since His Mother

Multiple Choice

Joe, age 13, has been acting out since his mother moved her boyfriend into the house a few months ago. Marge is angry with his reaction since she has been divorced for five years and thinks that she has a right to a life of her own. Joe has indicated that he feels misplaced by her boyfriend and wants to live with his father. Marge and Joe came to the counseling center to deal with her frustration and guilt regarding the situation. It would be best to start with which of the following?

A) Talk to the mother about her selfishness concerning meeting her own needs at the expense of her son's feelings.
B) Confront Joe about his acting-out behavior and ask what he might do to make the situation with his mother healthier.
C) Act as a mediator, giving each of them a chance to share their thoughts, and seeking empathy from both sides so a decision can be made for the benefit of all concerned.
D) Self-disclose an experience in which you had to make a decision that produced frustration and guilt.