Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

What is the most appropriate response by a social worker when a group member reports dishonesty within the group?

1. Positively reinforce the client's honesty.

2. Explore ways for the client to bring up the incident for discussion in the next group session.

3. Validate the client's feelings of frustration.

4. Reflect on the client's participation in the lie.

The correct answer is: Explore ways for the client to bring up the incident for discussion in the next group session.

The most appropriate response in this scenario is to explore ways for the client to bring up the incident for discussion in the next group session. This approach empowers the client to address their concerns within the context of the group, facilitating an open and honest dialogue about the issue of dishonesty. By encouraging this discussion, the social worker is promoting accountability and transparency among group members, which is essential for group cohesion and trust. Facilitating such a conversation allows all group members to engage with the issues at hand and potentially examine their own behaviors and understandings. It also provides an opportunity for the group to establish norms around honesty and integrity, which can strengthen the group dynamics and improve therapeutic outcomes. In contrast, the other options, while they include elements of validation and reflection, do not actively engage the group in addressing the violation of trust that dishonesty represents. Validating feelings of frustration or reinforcing honesty without addressing the specific incident may fail to promote accountability or resolution within the group. Reflection on the client's participation in the lie might shift focus away from the collective responsibility of the group and create defensiveness rather than fostering a constructive conversation.