In video role play 9, Being Judgmental: The Affair, the client (Natalie) shares with her counselor that she is struggling with her marriage and is having a long-term affair. The counselor (Janice) says, “Having an affair is not a good answer for someone—it just hurts everyone. I do not think it is a good idea.” How would your values influence your interventions in this situation? In what value areas pertaining to relationships might you have difficulty maintaining objectivity? Are there situations in which you might want to get your client to adopt your values? This vignette can be useful in small group discussions, and also in role-playing. Have one student role-play the counselor and show how he or she might work with Natalie. In a second role play, have one student become the counselor’s supervisor and demonstrate what issues you might explore with Janice.
