Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

What should be prioritized when dealing with clients displaying symptoms of trauma and distress?

1. Addressing long-term treatment goals

2. Immediate safety and stabilization

3. Encouragement of emotional expression

4. Identification of coping strategies

The correct answer is: Immediate safety and stabilization

When working with clients who exhibit symptoms of trauma and distress, prioritizing immediate safety and stabilization is essential. This foundation is crucial because clients in distress may be experiencing overwhelming emotions, flashbacks, or feelings of disconnection, which can lead to an acute crisis. Ensuring that clients feel safe allows them to begin the healing process and stabilize their emotional state. Immediate safety involves assessing any threats to the client's physical or psychological well-being and creating a secure environment where they can regain a sense of control. Once safety is established, clients are more open to exploring their emotions, discussing coping strategies, and working on long-term treatment goals. This prioritization aligns with trauma-informed care principles, which emphasize the need to recognize and address the impact of trauma on clients while facilitating a sense of safety and empowerment. Focusing on long-term treatment goals, encouraging emotional expression, or identifying coping strategies are all important components of therapy, but they should come after ensuring that the client feels safe and stabilized. Without this foundational step, further therapeutic efforts may be ineffective or even harmful, as clients may not be ready to engage meaningfully with such processes while still in crisis.