Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

What should a social worker do first when a client requests that the social worker attend her daughter's dance recital?

1. Consult with a colleague or supervisor

2. Agree to attend the recital

3. Clarify professional boundaries

4. Make an interpretation about the client's request

The correct answer is: Clarify professional boundaries

When a client requests that a social worker attend a personal event such as her daughter's dance recital, the social worker's first step should be to clarify professional boundaries. This request can blur the lines between the professional and personal relationship, which is essential to maintain for ethical practice. By addressing the boundaries, the social worker can evaluate what the request might mean in the context of the therapeutic relationship and consider the implications of personal involvement outside of the professional setting. Setting clear boundaries helps protect both the client and the social worker from potential conflicts of interest or confusion about the nature of their relationship. It ensures that the therapeutic process remains focused on the client's needs without imposing additional layers of complexity that could interfere with their professional relationship. This clarification supports ethical standards in social work and fosters a healthy therapeutic environment.