How should a COTA® respond to an adult child expressing concern about a parent who is deeply affected by grief?

The selected response involves further exploring the extent of the client's sadness and negative moods before discussing the situation with the supervising OTR®. This approach is valuable because it allows the COTA® to gather more information about the parent’s emotional state and the impact of their grief. Understanding the specifics of the client's feelings can help differentiate normal grief responses from more concerning signs that may suggest the onset of depression or other mental health issues.

By thoroughly investigating the client's emotional state, the COTA® not only demonstrates empathy and active listening but also ensures that the intervention is appropriately tailored to the client’s needs. This process of exploration not only supports the adult child in expressing their worries but also empowers the COTA® to speak knowledgeably with the OTR® about the situation, fostering a collaborative approach to care.

This response reflects a best practice in mental health treatment, as it emphasizes understanding the client's experience in depth before making any assumptions or decisions regarding their mental health status. Creating a supportive environment where the adult child feels heard can also enhance communication about the parent's grief and its effects on their daily functioning.