Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

After a client expresses anger towards a social worker due to resemblance to her father, what issue should the social worker address next?

1. Countertransference

2. Possible substance abuse

3. Transference

4. Anger management

The correct answer is: Transference

In this scenario, the appropriate issue for the social worker to address next is transference. Transference occurs when a client projects feelings, desires, or expectations from past relationships onto the therapist or social worker. The client's anger towards the social worker due to their resemblance to her father indicates that she may be transferring unresolved feelings regarding her father onto the social worker. Understanding and addressing transference is essential because it can significantly impact the therapeutic relationship and the effectiveness of therapy. By recognizing that the client's feelings are rooted in her past experiences rather than the social worker's actual behaviors or characteristics, the social worker can help the client explore these emotions more deeply. This process can facilitate healing and understanding of the client's relationships and experiences, leading to a more productive therapeutic outcome. In this context, countertransference, while relevant to the social worker’s own feelings about a client’s emotional projections, is not the primary issue to be addressed at this moment. Substance abuse and anger management may also be significant topics in therapy but are not directly related to this specific expression of anger linked to familial dynamics. Addressing transference appropriately allows for a deeper exploration of the client's feelings and their origin, leading to a healthier therapeutic environment.