Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

How should a social worker respond to a client who questions their credentials during the initial assessment?

1. Provide detailed information about their education

2. Ask how the client feels about seeking help

3. Ignore the question and move on

4. Request the client to trust the process

The correct answer is: Ask how the client feels about seeking help

The most insightful approach in this scenario is to ask how the client feels about seeking help. This response opens a dialogue and allows the social worker to explore the client's feelings or concerns regarding the therapeutic process. By addressing the emotional context behind the client’s question about credentials, the social worker can build rapport and demonstrate empathy. This response fosters a more supportive environment, encouraging the client to express their feelings about both the social worker’s qualifications and their own apprehensions about seeking help. This not only validates the client's concerns but also reinforces the social worker’s role in facilitating a collaborative relationship. While providing detailed information about education can establish credibility, it may not directly address the client's emotions. Ignoring the question dismisses the client's feelings, which could alienate them, and requesting trust without addressing the underlying concerns may seem dismissive. Engaging with the client about their feelings is a core aspect of effective social work practice, emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being and trust in the therapeutic relationship.