Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

In family therapy, what approach should a social worker take when parents express offense at a child's behavior?

1. Encourage the parents to confront the child

2. Teach parents how to communicate effectively

3. Ignore the parents' concerns

4. Support the child without addressing the parents

The correct answer is: Teach parents how to communicate effectively

In family therapy, when parents express offense at their child's behavior, teaching parents how to communicate effectively is essential. This approach helps to create a more productive dialogue between the parents and the child, promoting understanding and resolution of conflicts. Effective communication skills enable parents to express their feelings and concerns without escalating tensions, thereby fostering a supportive environment in which the child can be heard as well. By focusing on enhancing communication, the social worker can guide the parents towards discussing their observations and feelings constructively. This can lead them to understand the context of the child’s behavior and collaboratively explore potential underlying issues, ultimately strengthening the family unit. Building communication skills also empowers parents to handle future conflicts more effectively, reducing the likelihood of miscommunication and offense. Other options do not prioritize the development of communication skills and may lead to increased conflict. Confronting the child might escalate tensions and create defensiveness rather than foster understanding. Ignoring the parents' concerns can dismiss their feelings and lead to frustration. Supporting the child without addressing the parents fails to acknowledge their viewpoint and does not promote a balanced approach to family dynamics.