Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

What is the appropriate initial response for a social worker when a client has doubts about the therapy process?

1. Challenge the client's belief immediately.

2. Encourage the client to leave therapy.

3. Invite the client to share their feelings about therapy.

4. Assure the client that their feelings are unfounded.

The correct answer is: Invite the client to share their feelings about therapy.

The most appropriate initial response for a social worker when a client expresses doubts about the therapy process is to invite the client to share their feelings about therapy. This approach demonstrates active listening and creates a safe space for the client to express their concerns, emotions, and experiences. By encouraging the client to articulate their feelings, the social worker fosters open communication, which is essential for building trust and rapport. This process allows the client to feel heard and understood, potentially leading to a deeper exploration of their doubts and the reasons behind them. It also opens the door for the social worker to address these concerns collaboratively, which is important for the therapeutic alliance and effective treatment. In contrast, challenging the client's beliefs immediately may create defensiveness and hinder the therapeutic relationship. Encouraging the client to leave therapy dismisses their concerns and undermines the therapeutic process. Assuring the client that their feelings are unfounded may invalidate their emotional experience and discourage them from being open in future sessions. Therefore, inviting the client to express their feelings lays the groundwork for meaningful dialogue and addresses their doubts constructively.