Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

During family therapy, what is the MOST appropriate goal for the family of a rebellious adolescent who talks back?

1. Teach the family how to discuss problems

2. Encourage strict discipline

3. Focus solely on the adolescent's behavior

4. Provide individual therapy for the parents

The correct answer is: Teach the family how to discuss problems

Teaching the family how to discuss problems is the most appropriate goal in this context because it promotes open communication, understanding, and collaboration within the family system. Family therapy emphasizes the relational dynamics among family members, and equipping them with effective communication skills can help address underlying issues that contribute to the adolescent's rebellious behavior. By learning to discuss problems constructively, family members can express their thoughts and feelings in a supportive environment, fostering healthier interactions and reducing conflict. Encouraging strict discipline may seem like a direct approach to address the adolescent's behavior, but it might aggravate the underlying issues, creating resistance rather than resolving conflicts. Focusing solely on the adolescent’s behavior could overlook the familial factors that contribute to this behavior, limiting the effectiveness of the therapeutic process. Providing individual therapy for the parents might be beneficial but would not directly address the family dynamics that are critical when dealing with a rebellious adolescent. Thus, fostering open communication through discussing problems is essential for establishing a supportive family environment conducive to positive change.