Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

What approach should a social worker take to help a client feel valued during therapy?

1. Encourage self-criticism for growth

2. Facilitate positive feedback from others

3. Model unconditional positive regard

4. Reinforce client’s negative behaviors

The correct answer is: Model unconditional positive regard

The approach of modeling unconditional positive regard is fundamentally important in therapy as it involves accepting and supporting a client regardless of what they say or do. This principle, developed by Carl Rogers, emphasizes the importance of providing a non-judgmental and compassionate space where clients can explore their thoughts and feelings without fear of criticism or rejection. This fosters a sense of safety and trust, allowing clients to feel valued and respected. When social workers demonstrate unconditional positive regard, they affirm the inherent worth of the client as a person. This can help clients build self-esteem and a more positive self-concept, ultimately leading to greater self-acceptance and growth. Such an environment encourages openness and authenticity, which are crucial for effective therapeutic outcomes. In contrast, encouraging self-criticism for growth can lead clients to feel worse about themselves and may hinder their willingness to share openly in therapy. Facilitating positive feedback from others might be helpful but does not create the same consistent and unconditional support that the chosen approach offers. Lastly, reinforcing negative behaviors is counterproductive and detrimental to a client's progress in therapy.