Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

After uncomfortable discussions about a client's sexual activity, what should the social worker do FIRST?

1. Offer to provide brief treatment for depression only.

2. Refer the client to an agency specializing in the treatment of homosexual clients.

3. Agree to work with the client on a trial basis.

4. Meet with the supervisor to discuss the discomfort.

The correct answer is: Meet with the supervisor to discuss the discomfort.

The most appropriate initial response after uncomfortable discussions about a client’s sexual activity is to meet with the supervisor to discuss the discomfort. This choice emphasizes the importance of supervision and support in clinical practice, particularly when a social worker faces challenging situations that may trigger personal discomfort or bias. Meeting with a supervisor allows the social worker to receive guidance, reflect on their feelings, and determine the best course of action moving forward. Supervisors can provide valuable insights and strategies for handling the client's issues effectively and ethically. This step is vital for ensuring that the social worker remains competent and professional in their practice. Addressing these feelings directly with a supervisor also fosters a culture of support and collaboration, which can help mitigate the social worker's discomfort. By doing so, the worker is prioritizing the client's needs and ensuring that they can provide the best possible care without allowing personal feelings to interfere. In contrast, options such as offering limited treatment or referring the client elsewhere may not address the core issue of the social worker's discomfort and could negatively impact the therapeutic relationship if the worker is not adequately prepared to handle the client's full situation. Similarly, agreeing to work on a trial basis may only delay addressing the discomfort rather than resolving it. Thus, discussing the matter with a supervisor is the most