Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) Practice Exam

What aspect of life often needs to be addressed in counseling after a client receives a significant health diagnosis?

1. Coping with physical symptoms

2. Addressing existential fears and issues

3. Maintaining professional work-life balance

4. Building new social networks

The correct answer is: Addressing existential fears and issues

Addressing existential fears and issues is a crucial aspect of counseling following a significant health diagnosis because such diagnoses often trigger profound questions about the meaning of life, mortality, and the individual's identity. Clients may experience anxiety over their future, worry about what their health condition means for their life goals, and confront thoughts about death and existential purpose. These fears can manifest in various ways, including feelings of despair or hopelessness, prompting the need for a safe environment to explore these complex emotional challenges. It is important for counselors to facilitate discussions around these existential concerns to help clients process their feelings, find ways to cope with their new reality, and develop a renewed sense of meaning and purpose in light of their diagnosis. While coping with physical symptoms, maintaining professional work-life balance, and building new social networks are certainly important aspects to consider in holistic treatment, the existential aspects play a fundamental role in a client's psychological and emotional adjustment following a significant health event.