Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

When a client expresses a desire to harm a former lover but minimizes the intent, what should the social worker do next?

1. File a report with authorities

2. Monitor the client's feelings at future sessions

3. Involve the family for support

4. Encourage the client to seek immediate help

The correct answer is: Monitor the client's feelings at future sessions

The most appropriate action for the social worker in this scenario is to monitor the client's feelings at future sessions. This choice is grounded in the understanding that clients often need time and a safe space to process their emotions. By continuing to engage with the client in subsequent sessions, the social worker can build rapport and gain a deeper understanding of the client's feelings and intentions. Monitoring the client's feelings allows the social worker to assess any changes in the client's emotional state and to provide ongoing support. This approach also facilitates open communication, where the client may feel more comfortable expressing their thoughts and frustrations in a therapeutic setting. It's essential for the social worker to remain attentive to any signs of escalating emotions or harmful intentions and to evaluate whether further intervention is necessary based on the assessment of the client's mental state in a safe and non-judgmental environment. In contrast, immediate actions such as filing a report or seeking help may escalate the situation or result in a breach of confidentiality, particularly when the intention to harm is minimized. Involving family members could also compromise the therapist-client relationship or create an environment where the client feels less safe to open up, hence making it less likely for them to share an accurate portrayal of their emotional landscape. Therefore, ongoing monitoring allows for a more nuanced