Page 1 of 113
PURPLE BOOK: COUNSELING AND
HELPING RELATIONSHIPS EXAM
2026|200Qs&As|A+GRADE
1. The principle that requires counselors to keep client
information private unless mandated by law or client consent
is called:
A) Beneficence
B) Nonmaleficence
C) Confidentiality
D) Autonomy
Answer: C
Rationale: Confidentiality is the ethical duty to protect client
communications from unauthorized disclosure. It is distinct
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from privilege (a legal concept) and is foundational to
building trust.
2. When a counselor reveals confidential information because
a client poses a serious threat to an identifiable third party,
this is known as the:
A) Duty to report
B) Tarasoff duty (duty to protect/warn)
C) Mandated reporting of child abuse
D) Informed consent exception
Answer: B
Rationale: Based on Tarasoff v. Regents of University of
California, counselors have a duty to protect potential
victims from foreseeable harm by warning the intended
victim and/or notifying law enforcement.
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3. Scenario: A 15-year-old client tells her counselor that her
40-year-old uncle has been sexually abusing her for the past
year. The counselor should:
A) Maintain confidentiality because the client is a minor
B) Immediately report the abuse to child protective services
as required by law
C) Ask the client’s permission before reporting
D) Confront the uncle first
Answer: B
Rationale: All states have mandatory reporting laws for
child abuse. Counselors must report suspected abuse
immediately, regardless of the minor’s request for
confidentiality.
4. Which of the following is NOT a required element of
informed consent in counseling?
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A) The counselor’s qualifications and approach
B) Risks and benefits of therapy
C) A guarantee of successful outcome
D) Limits of confidentiality
Answer: C
Rationale: No ethical counselor can guarantee specific
outcomes. Informed consent includes realistic expectations,
but not guarantees.
5. The ethical principle of “autonomy” in counseling refers to:
A) Doing good for the client
B) Respecting the client’s right to self-determination
C) Avoiding harm
D) Being fair and impartial
Answer: B
PURPLE BOOK: COUNSELING AND
HELPING RELATIONSHIPS EXAM
2026|200Qs&As|A+GRADE
1. The principle that requires counselors to keep client
information private unless mandated by law or client consent
is called:
A) Beneficence
B) Nonmaleficence
C) Confidentiality
D) Autonomy
Answer: C
Rationale: Confidentiality is the ethical duty to protect client
communications from unauthorized disclosure. It is distinct
,Page 2 of 113
from privilege (a legal concept) and is foundational to
building trust.
2. When a counselor reveals confidential information because
a client poses a serious threat to an identifiable third party,
this is known as the:
A) Duty to report
B) Tarasoff duty (duty to protect/warn)
C) Mandated reporting of child abuse
D) Informed consent exception
Answer: B
Rationale: Based on Tarasoff v. Regents of University of
California, counselors have a duty to protect potential
victims from foreseeable harm by warning the intended
victim and/or notifying law enforcement.
,Page 3 of 113
3. Scenario: A 15-year-old client tells her counselor that her
40-year-old uncle has been sexually abusing her for the past
year. The counselor should:
A) Maintain confidentiality because the client is a minor
B) Immediately report the abuse to child protective services
as required by law
C) Ask the client’s permission before reporting
D) Confront the uncle first
Answer: B
Rationale: All states have mandatory reporting laws for
child abuse. Counselors must report suspected abuse
immediately, regardless of the minor’s request for
confidentiality.
4. Which of the following is NOT a required element of
informed consent in counseling?
, Page 4 of 113
A) The counselor’s qualifications and approach
B) Risks and benefits of therapy
C) A guarantee of successful outcome
D) Limits of confidentiality
Answer: C
Rationale: No ethical counselor can guarantee specific
outcomes. Informed consent includes realistic expectations,
but not guarantees.
5. The ethical principle of “autonomy” in counseling refers to:
A) Doing good for the client
B) Respecting the client’s right to self-determination
C) Avoiding harm
D) Being fair and impartial
Answer: B
