Therapist Development Center Practice Exam 1

A social worker encounters a client reluctant to share feelings about a traumatic event. What should be the social worker's FIRST move?

1. Reassure the client that it's okay to take their time.

2. Encourage exploration of feelings through art therapy.

3. Provide psychoeducation on trauma responses.

4. Dig deeper to uncover the emotions linked to the event.

The correct answer is: Reassure the client that it's okay to take their time.

The most effective initial response for a social worker in this scenario is to reassure the client that it's okay to take their time. This approach creates a supportive environment that fosters trust and safety, essential elements when working with clients who have experienced trauma. It's important for the social worker to recognize the client's reluctance as a valid response to their experiences. By letting them know that it's acceptable to proceed at a pace that feels comfortable for them, the social worker empowers the client and signals that their feelings and boundaries are respected. Establishing this sense of safety can be crucial before any further therapeutic interventions occur. Clients who have faced trauma might feel vulnerable, and acknowledging their need for time can help build rapport, making it easier for them to eventually share their feelings when they are ready. This foundational step is crucial for effective trauma-informed care and ensures that the therapeutic process remains client-centered. Gradual engagement with deeper exploration or specific therapeutic methods can follow once the client feels more at ease. Hence, starting with reassurance lays the groundwork for more involved therapeutic approaches as trust and comfort develop.