A client with dissociative identity disorder, who is now 20 minutes late for group, is adamant that she was never told to go to the cognitive therapy group. The best response is:

• A. You can't get out of group that easily.
• B. Have you considered whether you were given the group time schedule?
• C. Have you thought about just why you might be resisting treatment?
• D. It is possible that you were not aware of group time.

Answer: (D)

In dissociative identity disorder, memory gaps and unawareness of events or schedules are common. A therapeutic reply should validate that possibility without blaming the client, preserving rapport and inviting exploration of what happened.

Saying that it’s possible you were not aware of the group time does just that: it acknowledges a potential dissociative lapse, is nonjudgmental, and opens the door to checking the schedule or confirming details without accusing the client. This approach reduces defensiveness and supports engagement in treatment, which is essential for DID management.

Other responses push blame or confront the client about memory or resistance, which can increase defensiveness and erode trust. They imply the client is lying or shirking treatment rather than acknowledging possible dissociative symptoms and memory gaps.