Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

When a client is hesitant to accept a treatment recommendation, what should the social worker prioritize?

1. Exploring the client's feelings towards the recommendation

2. Providing educational materials about the treatment

3. Insisting on the treatment

4. Consulting with colleagues about the treatment

The correct answer is: Exploring the client's feelings towards the recommendation

When a client is hesitant to accept a treatment recommendation, it is essential for the social worker to explore the client's feelings towards the recommendation. This approach prioritizes the client's autonomy and acknowledges their right to have concerns or reservations about their treatment. By understanding how the client feels, the social worker can build rapport, validate the client's emotions, and facilitate an open dialogue that promotes trust in the therapeutic relationship. Exploring feelings allows the social worker to uncover any underlying issues or misconceptions and work collaboratively with the client to address their concerns. This step is crucial for fostering a sense of agency in clients, helping them feel more empowered in their treatment choices and increasing the likelihood of their engagement in the therapeutic process. While providing educational materials about the treatment can be beneficial, simply delivering information without addressing the client’s emotional response may not effectively alleviate their hesitance. Insisting on the treatment disregards the client’s feelings and could damage the therapeutic alliance. Consulting with colleagues can provide additional insights, but it should not take precedence over directly addressing the client’s feelings and concerns. Prioritizing the exploration of feelings ultimately aligns with the core principles of client-centered practice.