Clinical Practice SWES Practice Exam

What should a social worker do if a client resists treatment?

1. Acknowledge their feelings and concerns

2. Insist on compliance with treatment plans

3. Change the treatment goals entirely

4. Provide rewards for compliance

The correct answer is: Acknowledge their feelings and concerns

Acknowledging a client's feelings and concerns when they resist treatment is a fundamental aspect of effective social work practice. This approach fosters a trusting and collaborative relationship between the social worker and the client. When clients express resistance, it often stems from fear, mistrust, or a feeling of being overwhelmed. By validating their emotions, the social worker creates an environment where clients feel heard and understood. This can lead to open communication, allowing clients to express their reservations and discuss the barriers they face regarding treatment. Engaging clients in a dialogue about their concerns can help identify underlying issues and facilitate a more tailored approach to treatment that addresses their individual needs. In turn, this may lead to greater willingness from the client to engage in the treatment process. In contrast, insisting on compliance with treatment plans may alienate the client and exacerbate resistance. Changing treatment goals entirely without input from the client risks undermining their agency and may not address the root of their resistance. Similarly, providing rewards for compliance could lead to a superficial engagement that does not genuinely address the client's needs and may overlook the significance of their feelings about the treatment. In summary, acknowledging concerns promotes a respectful and client-centered approach, which is crucial for effective intervention in social work.