Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

What is the first step to take when working with Mrs. Taylor, who is reluctant to see a social worker?

1. Tell her that her approach has merit.

2. Encourage her to read more psychology books.

3. Reflect on her feelings and encourage her to share them.

4. Challenge her to take responsibility for her husband's problems.

The correct answer is: Reflect on her feelings and encourage her to share them.

The reasoning behind selecting the option focusing on reflecting on Mrs. Taylor's feelings and encouraging her to share them lies in the core principles of building a therapeutic relationship. Establishing rapport and understanding a client's feelings is crucial, especially when the client shows reluctance to engage in services. By reflecting on her feelings, the social worker demonstrates empathy and active listening, which can help create a safe space for Mrs. Taylor to express her concerns and reservations. This approach is beneficial because it validates her experiences and encourages her to voice the reasons behind her reluctance. By doing so, the social worker can better understand her perspective, facilitating a more tailored and sensitive response to her needs. This step lays the groundwork for deeper engagement, showing Mrs. Taylor that her feelings are important and worth discussing. In contrast, approaches that may involve affirming her current stance without exploring it, encouraging reading on psychology without engaging in dialogue, or challenging her about responsibility may not address her concerns effectively. These methods can come across as dismissive or confrontational, potentially leading to further withdrawal rather than fostering a collaborative environment.