Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) Therapist Development Center Practice Exam

A social worker posts political opinions online that upset a client. What should the social worker do next?

1. Change privacy settings on social media

2. Reach out to the client to apologize

3. Stop posting personal opinions on public platforms

4. Defend their political stance to the client

The correct answer is: Stop posting personal opinions on public platforms

The appropriate action in this situation involves ceasing the posting of personal opinions on public platforms. This approach considers the professional responsibility of the social worker to maintain a safe and supportive environment for clients, which includes being mindful of the impact of their personal expressions on those clients. By stopping such posts, the social worker can minimize the risk of alienating or upsetting clients in the future, thereby fostering a more professional and empathetic relationship. Maintaining boundaries between one's personal beliefs and professional responsibilities is crucial. When a social worker's online presence potentially affects client relationships, it's important to prioritize the clients' well-being over personal expression. This choice reflects an understanding that one's role as a social worker demands a focus on clients' needs and experiences rather than personal viewpoints that could detract from the therapeutic relationship.