Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Practice Exam

When beginning treatment with a couple, what is the most likely intention of asking many questions about their marital history?

1. To identify individual issues within the marriage

2. To facilitate an understanding of how the present problem evolved

3. To establish rapport with each partner

4. To prepare for potential separation

The correct answer is: To facilitate an understanding of how the present problem evolved

Asking numerous questions about a couple's marital history primarily serves the intention of facilitating an understanding of how the present problem evolved. This line of inquiry helps the therapist uncover the dynamics that have developed over time, including patterns of behavior, significant events, and changes in the relationship. Understanding the history allows the clinician to contextualize current issues within the bigger picture of the couple's relationship, ultimately guiding treatment in a more informed way. While identifying individual issues can be a component of this process, the overarching goal is to see how these individual experiences contribute to the relationship dynamics that are being presented. Establishing rapport is certainly important in therapeutic settings, but the focus on marital history is more aligned with understanding the couple's journey rather than simply building rapport. Preparing for potential separation might be a possibility in certain contexts, but this typically comes into play later in treatment rather than at the outset when exploring underlying issues.