Problem
Parker is a 44-year-old man who has been receiving mental health care for most of his adult life. During this period he has had a number of different diagnoses, but whatever his "true" diagnosis, he has been clearly disabled by his emotional problems. At the last session, Parker appeared happy and full of energy. He had met a woman (named Natalie) at the library six months ago and they have decided to get married. He has been married three times before. His last wife ended up in the hospital from his physical abuse and there is evidence in his file of a similar pattern in the earlier marriages. He has made no threat at all against Natalie and vows that he has changed and would never hit her. Abraham, his counselor, has seen him become more stable over the last fifteen months he has worked with him, but doesn't share Parker's optimism about his future behavior. Therefore, Abraham decides he has a duty to protect Natalie and calls her immediately after the session with Parker to ask her to attend Parker's next counseling appointment. Abraham plans to ask Parker to tell Natalie about his history of violence at this joint session. If Parker is unwilling, Abraham plans to tell Natalie himself. Abraham also telephones Parker to inform him that he has invited Natalie to the next session to discuss their future relationship. What is your next session like?