Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

What should a social worker do when a client in therapy demonstrates resistance by avoiding issues and changing the subject?

1. Provide the client with homework

2. Confront the client with the resistance

3. Terminate therapy

4. Change the therapeutic approach

The correct answer is: Confront the client with the resistance

When a client demonstrates resistance by avoiding issues and changing the subject, confronting the client with the resistance is an effective therapeutic approach. This method encourages open dialogue about the resistance, allowing the social worker to explore the underlying emotions and thoughts that may be contributing to the client's avoidance. Addressing resistance openly can help the client recognize and understand their patterns of avoidance, which is an important step in the therapeutic process. By bringing this behavior to light, the social worker can facilitate a deeper exploration of the issues that may be difficult for the client to confront. This confrontation is done in a supportive and empathetic manner, creating a safe space for the client to engage with their feelings and experiences. In contrast to this approach, providing the client with homework might further distance them from the therapeutic process, especially when they are already resisting engagement. Terminating therapy would not address the issue at hand and would likely leave the client without the support they need. Changing the therapeutic approach might be considered in some cases, but it’s typically more beneficial to first address the resistance directly to understand its roots.